Chapter 5 Programme 1.2 Linkage

Summary of performance

2014–15 performance is summarised in Table 5.1.

Table 5.1: Linkage, performance summary

Element of performance	Performance
Deliverables
Provision of grants
Number of applications	891
Number of new grants	327
Total value of new grants	$180,727,850
Number of researchers supported	2200
Management of grants
Number of new and ongoing grants	1048
Total value of new and ongoing grants	$274,997,689
Policy advice
Strategic policy advice on research partnerships	Achieved
Key performance indicators
Outcomes of benefit to Australia	2/2 targets met
Building Australia's research capacity—knowledge generation	1/1 target not measured
Building Australia's research capacity—collaboration	4/5 targets met or partially met 1/5 targets to be benchmarked
Building Australia's research capacity—research training and careers	2/3 targets met 1/3 targets to be benchmarked
Building Australia's research capacity—research in areas of priority	2/2 targets met

This summary reflects the framework identified in the 2014–15 Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS) which incorporates a number of changes from that used in 2013–14. In particular:

• deliverables were expanded to include management of grants in addition to the provision of grants
• three performance measures were added (Proportion of completed Linkage research projects that report their objectives were met; Proportion of Linkage funding allocated to research projects that involve collaboration with industry; Proportion of completed Linkage research projects that report the research supported higher degree by research students).

Deliverables

2014–15 deliverables are summarised in Table 5.2. Linkage schemes providing funding (new and/or ongoing) in 2014–15 were:

• ARC Centres of Excellence
• co-funded research centres
• Industrial Transformation Research Hubs
• Industrial Transformation Training Centres
• Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
• Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects
• Linkage Projects
• Special Research Initiatives.

Table 5.2: Linkage, deliverables

Deliverable	Result
Provision of grants
Number of applications	2014–15: 891 2013–14: 996 2012–13: 702
Number of new grants	2014–15: 327 2013–14: 402 2012–13: 267
Total value of new grants	2014–15: $180,727,850 2013–14: $546,911,900(1) 2012–13: $130,428,000
Number of researchers supported (investigators named in new grants)	2014–15: 2200 2013–14: 2851 2012–13: 1576
Management of grants
Number of new and ongoing grants	2014–15: 1048 2013–14: 1194 2012–13: 1303
Total value of new and ongoing grants	2014–15: $274,997,689 2013–14: $232,170,656 2012–13: $230,189,500
Policy advice
Strategic policy advice on research partnerships	2014–15: Achieved 2013–14: Achieved 2012–13: Achieved

(1) Includes ARC Centres of Excellence commencing in 2014

Provision of grants

Through the Linkage schemes, the ARC delivers funding for individual research projects, infrastructure, hubs and centres. Funding is awarded to administering organisations on the basis of competitive peer review processes involving Australian and international experts.

Number of applications

The ARC considered 891 proposals for funding under Linkage schemes in 2014–15 comprising:

• 15 proposals under the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs scheme
• 17 proposals under the Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme
• 159 proposals under the Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities scheme
• 699 proposals under the Linkage Projects scheme
• one proposal under the Special Research Initiatives scheme.

This is less than the number considered in 2013–14 because a selection round for ARC Centres of Excellence was not conducted during 2014–15. Selection rounds for Centres are generally conducted every three years.

Number of new grants (Figure 5.1)

The ARC awarded 327 new Linkage grants for funding commencing in 2014–15 comprising:

• four Industrial Transformation Research Hubs
• five Industrial Transformation Training Centres
• 66 Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities grants
• 251 Linkage Projects grants
• one initiative under the Special Research Initiatives scheme.

The total number of new Linkage grants awarded in 2014–15 was lower than the previous year, due mainly to the lower number of research projects awarded under the Linkage Projects scheme (down from 306 in 2013–14).

Total value of new grants (Figure 5.2)

The ARC awarded $180.7 million in total funding for 327 new Linkage grants in 2014–15. The funding awarded comprised:

• $18.7 million over five years for the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs scheme
• $20.9 million over four years for the Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme
• $29.0 million for the Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities scheme (predominantly one year grants)
• $88.2 million over three years for the Linkage Projects scheme
• $24.0 million over four years for the Special Research Initiatives scheme.

The total value of funding awarded under Linkage schemes was significantly lower than the previous year because a selection round for the ARC Centres of Excellence scheme was not conducted in 2014–15.

Figure 5.1: Linkage programme, number of new grants funded by scheme

Figure 5.2: Linkage programme, total value of new grants funded by scheme

Schemes: Centres (ARC Centres of Excellence); ITRP (Industrial Transformation Research Programme (which includes Industrial Transformation Research Hubs and Industrial Transformation Training Centres)); LASP (Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects); LIEF (Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities); LP (Linkage Projects); SRIs (Special Research Initiatives)

Number of researchers supported (investigators named in new grants)

In 2014–15, the ARC supported 2200 investigators through new projects awarded funding under the Linkage programme comprising chief investigators and partner investigators. As with the Discovery programme, the number of named investigators has remained relatively constant in recent years. Note that the figures in Table 5.2 for 2012–13 and 2013–14 are different to those provided in previous years due to a change in calculation method. In this year's calculation, named researchers have only been counted once, although they may be participating on more than one grant.

Management of grants

In addition to administering the peer review processes which support the award of Linkage programme grants, the ARC also administers the grants once awarded—making payments in relation to agreed schedules and managing accountability mechanisms, for example, receipt of progress, end-of-year and final reports.

Number of new and ongoing grants

The ARC administered 1048 new and ongoing Linkage grants in 2014–15.

Total value of new and ongoing grants

The total amount of funding the ARC provided to new and ongoing Linkage grants in 2014–15 was $274 997 689. All grant payments were made to administering organisations.

Policy advice relating to research partnerships

In 2014–15 the ARC provided policy advice on a range of research partnership matters relating to the Linkage schemes. This included analysis of the number and types of partner organisations participating in the Linkage programme funding schemes.

Objective—To support EXCELLENT collaborative research

Description

The Linkage programme aims to deliver outcomes of benefit to Australia and build Australia's research and innovation capacity through support for collaborative research between university-based researchers and researchers in other sectors.

In 2014–15 the ARC:

• continued to administer a better practice peer review process aimed at ensuring the highest quality funding proposals receive government support.

Performance

Key Performance Indicator 1: Outcomes arising from ARC-supported research are of a high-quality and produce national benefits

Measure 1	Evidence of economic, environmental, social, health and/or cultural benefits to Australia arising from Linkage research
Target(1)	Document five case studies demonstrating benefits arising from the research
Result	2014–15: Met	Target met
	2013–14: Met	Target met
	2012–13: Met	Target met

(1) 2014–15 was the first year that a quantative target was identified for this measure, that is, five case studies.

During 2014–15 the ARC published a range of research case studies on its website, identified links to research outcomes reported directly by universities on its website and monitored research outcomes reported elsewhere in the media and through final reports. Five case studies are provided in Chapter 3 (pages 31–35).

Measure 2(1)	Proportion of completed Linkage research projects that report their objectives were met
Target	Greater than 95 per cent
Result	2014–15: 98.4 per cent	Target met

(1) A new measure in 2014–15

Data collected from final reports submitted to the ARC during 2014–15, showed that 98.4 per cent of completed Linkage research projects reported the objectives of the research project had been met. Note that this measure takes into account changes to objectives required as a result of reduced funding or other post-award changes.

Key Performance Indicator 2: Building Australia's research capacity— knowledge generation

Measure 3(1)	Share of the outputs of Linkage research that are rated at world standard or above
Target	Greater than 50 per cent
Result	2014–15: Not measured	n/a

(1) A new measure in 2014–15

This measure was not assessed in 2014–15.

In 2013–14 the ARC used the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2012 results as an indicative measure of the quality of ARC-funded research. The ERA results showed that over 95 per cent of Category 1 research income was associated with assessed units of evaluation rated at or above world standard. Category 1 research income includes all research income universities receive from Australian Competitive Grants. The funds awarded by the ARC and the National Health and Medical Research Council form the bulk of this income. The ERA 2015 evaluation is currently underway, with outcomes expected to be released at the end of 2015. Once the outcomes have been released, the ARC will use the results as an indicative measure of the quality of ARC-funded research.

During 2014–15 the ARC continued to collect information on the outputs of ARC-funded research projects from final reports submitted to the agency. Under the Linkage programme, research projects initially funded in 2010 produced on average 10.0 academic outputs and a total of 61 commercialisation outputs (see Table A3.3).

Key Performance Indicator 3: Building Australia's research capacity—collaboration

Measure 4	Average number of organisations involved in Linkage research projects
Target (1)	Centres: Greater than 10 organisations/research project ITRP: Greater than 5 organisations/research project LIEF: Greater than 3 organisations/research project LP: Greater than 2 organisations/research project
Result	2014–15: Centres: N/A (2) ITRP: 5.6 LIEF: 5 LP: 1.9	Centres: N/A ITRP: Target Met LIEF: Target Met LP: Target Not Met
	2013–14: LIEF 5.2	Target met
	2012–13: LIEF 4.3	Target met

(1) Targets were introduced for the Centres, ITRP and LP schemes in 2014–15
(2) No new grants were awarded under the ARC Centres of Excellence scheme in 2014–15

The Industrial Transformation Research Programme and Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities scheme both exceeded the targets set for the average number of organisations involved per funded research project. At 1.9, the average number of partner organisations involved in research projects funded under the Linkage Projects scheme was slightly below the target for 2014–15.

Measure 5	Proportion of partner organisations that rate the research partnerships supported through Linkage research projects as beneficial or very beneficial
Target	LP: Greater than 90 per cent
Result	2014–15: 98.9 per cent (based on 2010 projects)	Target met
	2013–14: 98.1 per cent (based on 2009 projects)	Target met
	2012–13: 94.8 per cent (based on 2008 projects)	Target met

Of the 360 partner organisations involved in completed research projects that commenced funding in 2010 under the Linkage Projects scheme, 98.9 per cent indicated in final reports that their involvement in the project was beneficial or very beneficial.

Measure 6	Financial commitment (cash and in-kind) of partner organisations to Linkage research projects (for every dollar contributed by the ARC)
Target	Industrial Transformation Research Hubs (ITRH): Greater than $1.50 Linkage Projects (LP): Greater than $1.90
Result	2014–15: ITRH: $1.47 2014–15: LP: $1.93	Target not met Target met
	2013–14: ITRH: $1.61 2013–14: LP: $1.90	Target met Target met
	2012–13: LP: $1.87	Target not met

The Industrial Transformation Research Hubs and Linkage Projects schemes require partner organisations participating on a project to provide a significant financial commitment (cash and/or in-kind) to the project. The financial commitment leveraged from partner organisations (per dollar contributed by the ARC to successful projects) under the Linkage Projects scheme was slightly above target at $1.93 and for the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs scheme was slightly below target at $1.47.

Figure 5.3: Linkage Projects scheme, partner organisation contributions by type of organisation, 2014–15

Figure 5.4: Industrial Transformation Research Programme, partner organisation contributions by type of organisation, 2014–15

Measure 7 (1)	Proportion of Linkage funding allocated to research projects that involve collaboration with industry
Target	To be set after benchmark
Result	2014–15: 63.4 per cent

(1) A new measure in 2014–15

Linkage funding aims to support collaborative research between university-based researchers and researchers in other sectors, particularly industry. Projects that collaborated with industry partner organisations—Australian and international companies and industry bodies—received 63.4 per cent of overall Linkage funding allocated to research projects commencing in 2014–15.

Measure 8	Proportion of Linkage research projects that involve international collaboration
Target	ARC Centres of Excellence (Centres): 100 per cent Industrial Transformations Research Hubs (ITRH): Greater than 80 per cent Industrial Transformation Teaching Centres (ITTC): Greater than 70 per cent Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF): Greater than 40 per cent Linkage Projects (LP): Greater than 40 per cent
Result	2014–15: CentresN/A 2014–15: ITRH: 100 per cent 2014–15: ITTC: 80 per cent 2014–15: LIEF: 40.9 per cent 2014–15: LP: 50.6 per cent	Target met
	2013–14: 45.5 per cent	Target met
	2012–13: 44.6 per cent	Target met

(1) Targets for Centres, ITRH, ITTC and LIEF were introduced in 2014–15

Almost 50 per cent of the 327 new Linkage research projects funded in 2014–15 indicated that the project would involve international collaboration, ranging from 40.9 per cent under the Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities scheme to 100 per cent under the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs scheme. A total of 332 instances of international collaboration with over 60 countries were anticipated.

Objective—To support research training and career opportunities

Description

Through Linkage funding, the ARC aims to deliver outcomes of benefit to Australia and build Australia's research and innovation capacity through support for research training and career opportunities that enable Australian and international researchers and research students to work with industry and other end-users.

In 2014–15 the ARC supported research training and career opportunities through stipends and project funds, including:

• allowing eligible researchers and research teams to apply for project support for themselves, research assistants, research technicians and postgraduate students under the Linkage Projects scheme
• awarding postgraduate and postdoctoral stipends under the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs and Training Centres schemes.

Further details on personnel supported by Linkage funding can be found in Part 5, Appendix 3.

Performance

Key Performance Indicator 4: Building Australia's research capacity—research training and careers

Measure 9	Proportion of Linkage researchers who are early career researchers
Target	Greater than 12 per cent
Result	2014–15: LP only: 11.9 per cent	Target not met
	2013–14: LP only: 12.7 per cent	Target met
	2012–13: LP only: 13.2 per cent	Target met

In 2014–15, 88 early career researchers (ECR) were funded through the Linkage Projects scheme, representing 11.9 per cent of funded researchers. ECRs are chief investigators named on the project who are within five years of completion of their PhD.

The number of early career researchers reported to have been supported by completed Linkage research projects has continued to increase in recent years (see Part 5, Appendix 3, Table A3.5). This suggests that ECRs are being supported by Linkage funding but are not being named on proposals.

Measure 10(1)	Proportion of completed Linkage research projects that report the research supported higher degree by research students
Target	To be set after benchmarking
Result	2014–15: 79.5 per cent	Not applicable

(1) A new measure in 2014–15.

During 2014–15 the ARC continued to collect information about higher degree by research (HDR) students supported by ARC-funded research projects through final reports. HDR students include both domestic and international postgraduate students enrolled in a HDR programme at an eligible organisation.

Of the completed Linkage research projects initially funded in 2010, 43 per cent reported that they supported HDR students. Final report data for Linkage Projects grants initially funded in 2010 also showed that an average of 2.9 HDR students were supported by each project (Part 5, Appendix 3, Table A3.5).

Measure 11	Support for research training in areas of strategic importance to Australian industries
Target (1)	Industrial Transformation Training Centres: At least 10 higher degree by research (HDR) and three postdoctoral positions funded per centre
Result	2014–15: 10 HDRs and four postdoctoral positions per centre	Target met

(1) A new target was introduced for this measure in 2014–15.

In total, 50 HDR candidates and 20 postdoctoral fellows were funded through the five Industrial Transformation Training Centres with funding commencing in 2015.

Objective—To support research in priority areas

Description

The Linkage programme aims to deliver outcomes of benefit to Australia and build Australia's research and innovation capacity through support for research in priority areas. Under the Linkage schemes researchers are invited to indicate whether their research addresses an area of Government priority. In addition, under the Industrial Transformation Research Programme (ITRP) proposals must also address one of the Industrial Transformation Priorities identified for each funding round; and through the Special Research Initiatives and the Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects schemes the ARC provides funding opportunities for research projects with particular priorities or national importance.

In 2014–15:

• the Australian Government's Strategic Research Priorities (SRPs) were: living in a changing environment; promoting population health and wellbeing; managing our food and water assets; securing Australia's place in a changing world; and lifting productivity and economic growth.
• the Industrial Transformation Priorities for the Industrial Transformation Research Programme selection rounds were: manufacturing; food and agriculture; oil and gas, including petroleum; mining and mining services; and medical devices and biotechnology.

Performance

Key Performance Indicator 5: Building Australia's research capacity—research in areas of priority

Measure 12	Evidence of economic, environmental, social, health and/or cultural benefits to Australia arising from Linkage research in areas of priority
Target (1)	Document three case studies demonstrating benefits arising from the research
Result	2014–15: Met	Target met
	2013–14: Met	Target met
	2012–13: Met	Target met

(1) 2014–15 was the first year that a quantitative target was idnetified for this measure, that is, three case studies.

Examples of outcomes arising from ARC-funded research in Strategic Research Priority areas are provided in the case studies in Chapter 3 (pages 31–35).

Measure 13	Proportion of Linkage research projects in areas of priority
Target	Greater than 90 per cent
Result	2014–15: 91.4 per cent	Target met
	2013–14: 97.8 per cent	Target met
	2012–13: 98.1 per cent	Target met

Strategic Research Priority areas

A total of 91.4 per cent of new Linkage research projects funded in 2014–15 indicated their project was relevant to an Australian Government SRP, with the largest proportion (42.1 per cent) addressing the SRP 'lifting productivity and economic growth'. The relative proportions of SRPs supported by each Linkage funding scheme are illustrated in Figure 5.5 below.

The total is above the target but lower than the results recorded in 2013–14. As reported under the Discovery programme, this may be a result of a change in reporting between SRPs (which were in effect in 2014–15) and the previous set of Australian Government National Research Priorities (NRPs) (which were in effect in 2013–14).

Figure 5.5: Linkage programme, proportion of new grants by Strategic Research Priority, 2014–15

Other priority areas funded by the ARC

Industrial Transformation Priorities

Through the Linkage Industrial Transformation Research Programme (ITRP), proposals are sought in identified industrial transformation areas. The nine centres awarded funding under the ITRP for funding commencing in 2014–15 involved eight industrial transformation priority areas (see case study on pages 76–77).

Tropical Health and Medicine

Through the Special Research Initiative for Tropical Health and Medicine, the ARC awarded James Cook University $42 million over four years (commencing January 2014) as part of the Australian Government's commitment to build Australia's research capacity in tropical health and biomedical sciences. In 2014–15 James Cook University commenced construction of purpose built laboratory, research and office infrastructure.

Antarctic

Through the Special Research Initiative for the Antarctic Gateway Partnership, the ARC awarded the University of Tasmania $24 million over three years (commencing July 2014) as part of the Australian Government's commitment to boosting support for Tasmania and Antarctica. The Initiative aims to further enhance Tasmania as a global leader in Antarctic and Southern Ocean science and serve as a gateway for Antarctic research, education, innovation and logistics. Facilitating scientific collaboration between the University of Tasmania, CSIRO and the Australian Antarctic Division, the collaboration is promoting research that will ultimately lead to new developments in sea–ice forecasting and an understanding of the roles played by these environments in sea–level change.

Juvenile Diabetes

Through the Special Research Initiative for Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes, the ARC awarded the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Australia (JDRF) $35 million in 2014 as part of the Australian Government's commitment to support Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes research. JDRF will create a national collaborative network to coordinate team-based cross-disciplinary research projects with the core function of making significant progress towards finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

Dementia

In 2014–15 the ARC and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) worked together to establish a new initiative to increase research capacity in dementia, as part of the 'Building the workforce' element of the Australian Government's Boosting Dementia Research Initiative. The ARC is contributing $26 million in funding over three years which will ensure that the research takes into account the social, economic and cultural impacts and complex consequences of dementia. The joint NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research Development Fellowships scheme opened on 8 January 2015 and it is expected that the fellowships will commence later in 2015.

Science of Learning

Through the Special Research Initiative for a Science of Learning Research Centre, the ARC awarded $16 million over four years (commencing 2012) to establish a Science of Learning Research Centre (SLRC) at The University of Queensland. Bringing together the diverse disciplines of education, psychology and neuroscience, this unique centre is investigating the complexities of the learning process to develop a scientific evidence base to inform teaching practice. In 2014–15, SLRC researchers investigated a range of learning areas such as feedback, attention and digital learning environments. Researchers also commenced working with Indigenous and remote communities to better understand and optimise learning outcomes in these locations.

Control room for the Science of Learning classroom

Australian Synchrotron

In 2012 the ARC awarded $25 million over four years under the Special Research Initiative in Synchrotron Science to support researcher access to the Australian Synchrotron in collaboration with a large number of Australian universities. The Australian Synchrotron is the largest standalone piece of scientific infrastructure in the southern hemisphere, and can be used by almost any industry across a wide-range of research fields to study the most precise nature of any biological or industrial material.

Researchers from all career stages have accessed the Australian Synchrotron through the initiative, producing over 900 refereed publications since 2012. Another benefit has been close collaboration between Australian researchers using the Australian Synchrotron and industry. A recent research highlight is a fast, accurate and inexpensive test that uses infrared light to detect malaria in the early stages of its development.

Indigenous network

The National Indigenous Research and Knowledges Network (NIRAKN) was awarded $3.2 million over four years (commencing 2012) under the Special Research Initiative for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researchers' Network. Members of the Network represent over 50 Aboriginal nations from 21 Australian universities and across many research disciplines. NIRAKN is building the capacity of indigenous Australian researchers at all career stages through mentoring, training and providing opportunities to undertake cross-institutional and multidisciplinary research that will benefit communities.

Stem cells

Under the Special Research Initiative in Stem Cell Science, the ARC awarded The University of Melbourne $21 million over seven years (commencing July 2011) to establish Stem Cells Australia to build Australia's capacity to conduct stem cell research. In 2014–15, Stem Cells Australia made technological advances and partnerships producing new insights into areas such as the generation and repair of heart muscle cells as well as 3D printing of kidney tissue. They also continued to be involved in international collaborations using stem cells to create new ways to understand diseases and test new drugs.

Bionic Vision

In 2010, the ARC awarded $50 million to two research teams at Monash University and The University of Melbourne respectively to develop a bionic eye under the ARC's Research in Bionic Vision Science and Technology Initiative. Following an independent review in 2013 that found both research teams had made exceptional advances, the ARC extended the funding period for the research teams to continue their ground-breaking work into 2014. Bionic Vision Australia is developing technology that implants a device in the rear of the eye to enable vision to blind patients suffering from degenerative retinal conditions. In 2014 three people were successfully implanted with a prototype device. Monash Vision Group is developing a device to implant on the brain's visual cortex, providing treatment for progressive blindness. In 2014 the Group manufactured and bench tested the entire implant system enabling the Group's longer term plan, beyond ARC funding, to implant humans in 2016.

Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics

The Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics was established in 2002 as a co-funded initiative between the ARC and Grains Research and Development Corporation. From 2002 until the end of 2014, the centre received $47.8 million jointly from the two agencies. In 2014, researchers at the centre continued to investigate and develop techniques to improve the resistance of wheat, barley and other crops to hostile environmental conditions such as drought salinity and mineral deficiencies or toxicities.

National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training

In June 2009, the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training (NCGRT) was established as a joint funding initiative between the ARC and the National Water Commission (NWC) following a selection process conducted under the ARC's Special Research Initiatives scheme. The ARC and the NWC provided $29.5 million to the centre over five years to undertake research in all aspects of groundwater and lead the training of a new generation of hydrogeologists and groundwater specialists—filling a significant gap in Australia's resource management capabilities. In 2014 the centre continued to investigate a range of groundwater issues that impact on industries such as mining and agriculture. In collaboration with national and international groundwater bodies, NCGRT also delivered training to industry members and researchers in Australia and across the world. The centre has established new partnerships to ensure its continuation beyond ARC and NWC funding.

National ICT Australia

National ICT Australia (NICTA) was established in 2002 as a co-funded centre between the ARC and the Department of Communications, to build capacity and strengthen investment in strategic information and communications technology research in Australia. The Australian Government has allocated total funding of $606.5 million over 15 years (2002–2016) to the Centre which is currently Australia's largest organisation dedicated to ICT research.

In 2014–15 NICTA developed software that enables governments and geothermal companies to predict their chances of successfully drilling at selected sites. Released as open source, the software is expected to increase the returns from what are substantial investments when drilling a well. In the area of transport and infrastructure, the Port Botany project identified methods that allow better use of existing infrastructure and allow significant increase in load to be carried by rail. This represents a significant benefit as Port Botany handles one third of Australia's containerised trade.