L.WAL.2301 - WALRC Regional Funds Management 2022-24

Summary

The Western Australian Livestock Research Council (WALRC) is one of three research advisory councils in MLA’s regional consultation network.

This agreement covers funding for the Financial years 2022–23 and 2023–24 to support MLA regional consultation activities. WALRC administers these funds on behalf of MLA.

MLA’s regional consultation program works with producers and other industry stakeholders to maximise impact from MLA investments. The role of WALRC is to provide the relevant forums and opportunities for engaging these stakeholders.

Objectives

The main objectives of this contract are to:
1. improve awareness of MLA research and adoption within South Western Australia
2. improve collaboration between Western Australian research and development institutions and industry groups
3. improve the relevance and application of research activities funded by MLA and raising awareness of these with other Research and Development institutions including national and state committees and organisations.
4. build capabilities in early career researchers including exposure to best practice farm practices
5. support implementation of MLA adoption activities within South Western Australia
6. improve the understanding of how research development and adoption functions within the eight representative producer council members.

Key findings

MLA uses the outcomes from the Priority setting process to inform investment decisions for on farm research.

Benefits to industry

The Research Council provides a critical link between researchers, stakeholders and MLA to identify relevant research topics for investment for both sheep and beef industries.

MLA action

WALRC funds management projects are a recurring requirement of the consultation program.

Future research

MLA has a executed a 12-month contract with this service provider.