It has been a while since my last contribution to this blog. I have not been able to get my mind fully around this concept but hopefully I can remember to write something of value as each fortnight passes. Since the last blog we have had the bad news of an unsuccessful re-bid but this has quickly passed and our efforts are focused on developing a bid for the next round (Round 14).

After gaining strong support from the Participants at their recent meeting and the Board, the CRCNPB is hopeful this year’s re-bid will be successful.

Over the coming months our focus for the re-bid will be on addressing the areas for improvement identified by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR); developing the research programs - taking into consideration the research priorities of end-users; and securing letters of intent from potential participants.

We have recently completed another successful Science Exchange. As I reflect on the event, I would like to congratulate the staff of the CRC, and in particular Kate Scott, for running another fantastic event. The positive feedback I continue to receive about these events is a credit to the team for the time and effort put in to ensure they run smoothly.

As I write I am preparing for a week’s leave. This leave will be focused on preparing the ground for my next planting of 2000 eucalyptus.