Develop cost-benefit models and prepare a report documenting the economic evaluation of projects across the following four elements of the research centre’s project portfolio:

• Developing more cost-effective tools and systems for disease detection and surveillance
• Review of research financing experience and concerns that have emerged in the last few years,
• Transferring knowledge and technologies to public health, environment and community sectors by enhancing national and international collaborative linkages and networks within Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
• Exploiting the commercial potential of tools and systems for disease detection and surveillance, and education and training products. (with Agtrans Research)

Economic, environmental and social impact of key vertebrate pests in Australia quantified in ‘triple bottom line’ analysis. Spreadsheet model developed to estimate economic impact on livestock and cropping industries, biodiversity impacts quantified using ‘benefit transfer’ approach and social impact estimated for vehicle, commercial use value and public health impacts of identified species. 12 species included in analysis (feral pigs, kangaroo, carp, mouse, wild horses, fox, dogs, rabbits, camel, feral goats and feral cats). Report launched by the Australian Minister for Science at Federal Parliament House, Canberra – May 2004. Findings published in national print media -Canberra Times, Australian Financial Review, Courier Mail, West Australian, Rural Press, Sydney Morning Herald and presented on radio – ABC Radio.

Cost-benefit analysis of projects designed to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loadings in northern Australian river systems. Potential economic and ecological impact on World Heritage - Great Barrier Reef hard coral communities modelled. Economic feasibility of projects to stabilise river banks, reduce air-pollution and enhance productivity of northern fisheries also assessed. Responsible for reviewing project designs, assisting with management of this major project, along with report preparation (with Agtrans Research)

Cost-benefit assessment of 38 fisheries industry development projects in Australian fin-fish (tuna, salmon, emerging fish species) aquaculture, shellfish, shrimp and ‘wild catch’ sectors. Selected projects analyzed in the research portfolio included:

• Lobster post-harvest handling
• Management of salmon aquaculture diseases
• Manufacture of novel aquaculture feeds
• Design and assessment of novel harvesting methods for emerging freshwater species
• Novel production systems for key Australian oyster species
• Improving growth and survival of cultured marine fish larvae
• Selection methods for breeding higher performing captive finfish; and
• Development of sponge farming for indigenous Australian communities

Results used to allocate research and development funds. Team leader and responsible for overall management and implementation of the project, report review and program planning (with the BDA Group).

Economic evaluation of 14 fisheries research and development projects that relate to marine environment enhancement. Projects including habitat restoration, improved effluent management and wetland conservation were analysed. Global databases searched and literature reviews conducted to gather reef, wetland and marine ecosystem economic values. Economic and environmental models developed to evaluate project impacts and document prepared (with the BDA Group).

Product development plan developed to assist with the commercialisation of immuno-contraceptive vaccines to better manage fox, rodent, rabbit and other vertebrate pests. Cash flow model developed to cost proof-of-concept, regulatory approval and commercial trial phases of product development. Risk analysis undertaken & market potential estimated for spin-off commercialisation company. Economic benefits assessed using framework which incorporated conservation benefits of species preservation – including endangered species such as the Leathery Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) & Rufous Hair Wallaby (Lagorchestes hirsutus).

Cost-benefit analysis of 46 new product and process development projects for Australian Wool Innovation Pty Limited. Potential industry economic benefits analyzed for fibre and textile components of the organization’s R&D portfolio. International fibre and textile markets characterized, strategic fit of projects with current industry trends assessed and project impacts economically defined using cash flow modelling. Results used to assist with resource allocation in the portfolio (with the BDA Group).

Preliminary financial analysis of terminal development options for international Pacific-rim airport. Cash flow model developed for terminal business. Project feasibility (NPV, IRRs) of selected capital works programs assessed using differing passenger levy and retail revenue scenarios

Quantitative economic analysis of Australian pig-meat industry new product development and marketing projects from the following components of the industry portfolio: expand and retain sustainable domestic and export markets; minimize the impact of regulation on sustainable industry growth, research, develop and promote adoption of technical and business innovations; and deliver information and services of value to industry participants. In total, >20 strategic directions were assessed in cost-benefit economic framework. Responsible for reviewing project outcomes, assisting with project management, cash-flow modelling and report preparation. Results used for strategic planning (with the BDA Group).

Economic returns from a suite of completed Australian sugar industry technology development projects analysed. Investments in advanced mechanical harvester components, improved plant varieties, sugar milling technologies, irrigation equipment, agricultural chemicals, biotechnology and environmental management practices were evaluated. Water use models were developed to estimate the productivity impacts of enhanced irrigation system development (with Agtrans Research).

Economic and financial feasibility of effluent usage in Australian agricultural production. Waste-water management infrastructure requirements and productivity impacts incorporated in spreadsheet model. Project feasibility (NPV, IRRs) of selected capital works programs assessed. Responsible for reviewing project outcomes, assisting with project management, report review and finalisation, and project direction in consultation with key stakeholders (with Agtrans Research)

Cost-benefit analysis of 46 new product and process development projects for Australian Wool Innovation Pty Limited. Potential industry economic benefits analyzed for fibre and textile components of the organization’s R&D portfolio. International fibre and textile markets characterized, strategic fit of projects with current industry trends assessed and project impacts economically defined using cash flow modelling. Results used to assist with resource allocation in the portfolio. (with the BDA Group).

Cost-benefit analysis of 50 farm-level product and process development projects for Australian Wool Innovation Pty Limited. Potential industry economic benefits analyzed for projects within following R&D programs:

• Sustainable Production Systems
• Animal Health and Exotic Disease
• Genetic Technologies; and
• Logistics and Fibre Specification

Project impacts economically defined using cash flow modelling and implications for strategic planning and investment described (with the BDA Group).

Economic evaluation of Australian forest and wood-product industry extension and new product development projects. Potential industry economic benefits analysed for completed projects within resource improvement, new products & processes and market development components of the R&D portfolio. Selected evaluated projects included:

Economic appraisal of 9 project proposals for the Australian Cooperative Research Centre for Viticulture (CRCV). Proposals were taken from 4 core research and development programs (www.crcv.com.au):

• TickCost: a software package that estimates the economic impact of tick-borne diseases on livestock industries throughout Asia and Africa. The software has been distributed throughout these regions and also Europe. It can be down-loaded from the International Livestock Research Institute website (www.cgiar.org/ilri/mtp/proj11/tickcost.cfm)
• Priority, a strategic planning software package that incorporates a scoring framework developed by the American Institute for Industrial Research and CSIRO has been developed for the CSIRO strategic planning office. (http://www.esys.com.au/products/priority.htm)
• Development of state-transition infectious disease model for assessing national economic benefits from animal disease control. (United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, Rome – with AusVet Services)
• Assistance in developing economic module for disease impact model used for assessing the benefits from animal disease control (Ovine Johnnes disease). (AusVet Services)