Western Australians urged to apply for this year's New Industries Fellowship

27/12/99
Primary Industry Minister Monty House has urged Western Australians to apply for this year's New Industries Fellowship to help develop opportunities for the State's agricultural sector.
Mr House said the $10,000 fellowship was being offered by Agriculture Western Australia in conjunction with the State agricultural agencies in Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland, the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation and Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Australia.
The fellowship was initiated by Agriculture Western Australia's Centre for New Industries Development in 1998 and has been expanded nationally this year.
"The New Industries Fellowship will provide a unique opportunity for an individual or group to study an international approach to industry development," Mr House said.
"The study will be funded for a period of two weeks with up to $10,000 available to cover travel and living expenses to anywhere in the world.
"The fellowship recipient will be required to produce a detailed report which outlines his/her initial research for the study, findings during the study and how it can be applied in Australia to accelerate new industry development."
The findings from the study will be presented at several conferences around Australia during the year 2000.
Mr House said the development of new industries was vital to agricultural sustainability in the context of rapid technological advancements, changing consumer demands and markets for agricultural products.
"While there are many opportunities for new industries throughout Australia, the key to their commercial success lies in building a shared understanding of the critical factors required to develop these industries," Mr House said.
Applicants for the New Industries Fellowship can obtain a copy of the guidelines from Susie Meechan on (08) 9368 3999 or e-mail: smeechan@agric.gov.au
Proposals must be submitted by January 28, 2000, providing a project description, draft study tour itinerary, and an outline of the anticipated significance of the project to the development of new industries in Australia.

Media contact: Julie Cole 9481 2044