News
19 December 2017
Spatial Information CRC to continue
- The CRCSI Board approves successor entity beyond June 2018
- Dr Peter Woodgate retires as CEO after 15 years dedicated service
- Dr Graeme Kernich, current Deputy CEO, has taken promotion to CEO until 30 June 2018
MELBOURNE, Tuesday 19 December 2017: The partners of the Australia and New Zealand Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information have supported its continuation as a self-sustaining entity when its Commonwealth funding ceases in June 2018.
Dr Peter Woodgate, CRCSI CEO, said that for the past 15 years the CRCSI has been tasked with bringing the research, private and public sectors together to tackle spatial R&D challenges of significance for Australia and New Zealand.
“It is a testament to our partners commitment to research, the dedication of our research teams, and the impact of our outcomes that we will continue beyond our term and become self-sufficient when our federal funding winds up in June next year.
“I have also decided to retire as CEO at the end of the year. With the endorsement to create our successor entity, I see this as the perfect time to hand over to the next generation of talented leaders in the CRCSI. I have had a marvellous 15 years in the position and wish to thank everyone for the wonderful support I have received.
“I leave the CRCSI in the capable hands of Dr Graeme Kernich who will lead the development of our next incarnation prior to its launch in mid-2018,” Dr Woodgate said.
Dr Graeme Kernich said while he is sad to see Peter retire he is looking forward to the challenges ahead.
“Since 2003, Peter’s dedicated leadership has seen the CRCSI double in size. And, in collaboration with its 120 participants, deliver research solutions which have accelerated industry growth, improved social wellbeing and created a more sustainable environment. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on.
“The spatial sector and its influence on other industry sectors has seen enormous growth over the past decade. We are now seeing unprecedented use and dependence on spatial technologies. Knowing where things happen — be it sea level rise, cattle grazing or types of cancer — informs better decisions. We are looking forward to building on the solid foundations of the CRCSI to realise the growth of 'where' within the Australian and New Zealand economies,” Dr Kernich said.
Steve Jacoby PSM, Chair of the New Entity Steering Committee, said he is pleased the board approved the successor.
“Over 25 years, the Australian Government’s CRC programme has funded over 130 CRCs. Of these, only a small number have continued post federal funding. I am proud that our CRC will be one of these. The purpose of our new entity is very simple: to solve challenges of spatial science by bringing together the best R&D expertise,” he said.
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Contact: Stephanie Pradier, +61 424 568 314, spradier@crcsi.com.au
