The CRCNPB's Third Year Review took place, at the University of Canberra, from 15 to 18 December 2008. The independent panel, Dr Kevin Sheridan (Chairman), Mr David Crawford and Dr Craig Phillips, complemented by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR) nominee, Professor Elizabeth Deane, spoke to Participants, PhD students, Program Leaders, CRC Management, the Board's Third Year Review Subcommittee, CEO Simon McKirdy and myself.

Notwithstanding pointed comments regarding the ‘wheelbarrow load' of background information which had been provided, the interviews were cordial and constructive, reflecting a process which is designed to assist a CRC to embrace a process of continuous improvement in all aspects of its activities.

The Board will consider the report of the independent panel at a special Board Meeting in February and will then prepare its response to DIISR.

A major topic of interest to the panel was the CRC's efforts to build human capacity to ensure the future of plant biosecurity research and development.

2008 has been a year in which we have been active in several areas which contribute to achieving this end. Not only are we approaching our target of 32 enrolled PhD students, but one PhD been has successfully completed. Rachel Meldrum, another of our PhD students, gained the award of ‘Young Northern Territorian of the Year' in recognition of her research on Fusarium wilt in the banana industry, specifically, how alternative quarantine strategies can be developed to minimise the economic and social impact of possible incursions. This topic is at the heart of achieving the CRC's objectives.

With the Northern Territory being in the ‘front line' as far as potential incursions are concerned, it was good for the CRC to be involved in the International Master Class in Plant Biosecurity held in Kuala Lumpur in June. Attended, primarily, by participants from the ASEAN countries, the Class succeeded in raising the level of biosecurity awareness among practitioners in some of Australia's near neighbours. With constructive follow up this should lead to benefits for all parties.

There have also been exciting initiatives during the year for primary school students with the November launch of the Big Book, Plant Pest Investigation by Australia's former Chief Scientist Dr Jim Peacock. Introducing the risks of biosecurity breaches into the community at an early age must contribute to reducing biosecurity risk in the future.

November also saw the award of prizes to a number of primary schools in the Australian Capital Territory where a competition to develop strategies to combat various biosecurity challenges revealed innovative, and at times devious, talents among the next-but-one generation of biosecurity scientists.

It remains for me, on behalf of the Board, to thank all CRC members and friends for their efforts during 2008 and to convey best wishes for a safe, relaxing and enjoyable Festive Season.

John Lovett

Chairman

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