Cattle man is CEO for north
THE Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia has appointed its chief executive officer, with its Townsville headquarters set to open in coming weeks.
The long- awaited research hub will focus on the future of the North and look at key areas such as tropical health and agriculture.
Former CEO of the Cattle Council of Australia Jed Matz will today begin his contract as the CRC’s chief, with the Canberra resident to move to Townsville in the next week.
Mr Matz ( pictured) said he was excited for the new venture and believed it was a “good, natural progression” from his previous role.
“I’ve been working in the beef industry for 10 years – the CRC has a very high focus on agriculture and food,” he said.
“I’m just really passionate about what the northern part of Australia can achieve with its natural advantages, it’s a great opportunity to continue working in that space.”
The CRC’s headquarters will be located at 214 Charters Towers Rd, with Mr Matz to begin fitting out the facility soon after he arrives.
Mr Matz said during his 10 years with the Cattle Council he spent a lot of time in Northern Australia.
“I will be speaking to the board about their vision and help implement that vision,” he said.
The CRC, which was an- nounced in April last year, will see $ 75 million injected into the research hub over 10 years.
Seven board members were appointed earlier this year, including Townsville representative John Bearne.
CRC board chair Sheriden Morris said the headquarters had been purposely located as an independent office.
“This is an industry- led initiative, we wanted to be impartial,” she said. “We will be looking to broker and work with the science industry.
“We’re looking at projects around agriculture, food and the agriculture supply chain – they’re the key points of intervention that will bring success to existing industries.”
Ms Morris said it was “nonsense” the North was not exporting horticultural products.
“The North desperately needs action to maximise its potential,” she said.
“We’re keen for the rubber on the road right now.
“In the next fortnight we are hoping to have it ( the headquarters) fully set up, we’re moving pretty quickly.”