Human Capital, Communications & Information Systems

RIRDC Completed Projects in 2002-2003 and Research in Progress as at June 2003

Sub-Program 4.3 HUMAN CAPITAL, COMMUNICATIONS & INFORMATION SYSTEMS

September 2003 RIRDC Publication No 03/076

ISBN 0 642 58643 8 ISSN 1440-6845

"RIRDC Completed Projects in 2002-2003 and Research in Progress as at June 2003 - 4.3 Human Capital, Communications & Information Systems" Publication No 03/076

The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in whole or in part on the contents of this report.

This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerning reproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186.

RIRDC Human Capital, Communications & Information Systems Research Manager Dr Roslyn Prinsley RIRDC Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604

Phone: 02 6272 4033 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected]

RIRDC Publications Manager Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604

Phone: 02 6272 3186 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au

Published in September 2003 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint

ii Foreword

This year RIRDC has produced Research in Progress, June 2003, which contains short summaries of continuing projects as well as those that were completed during 2002-2003 for all of the Corporation’s 20 program areas.

The complete report on all the programs is only available in electronic format on our website at http://www.rirdc.gov.au

The following report is a hardcopy extract covering Sub-Program 4.3. It contains all entries from continuing and completed Human Capital, Communications and Information Systems research projects funded by RIRDC in 2001-2002. This program aims to enhance human capital and facilitate innovation in rural industries and communities.

This report is the newest addition to our extensive catalogue of over 900 research reports, videos and CD-Roms of projects supported by RIRDC. Please contact us for the latest publications catalogue or view it on our website:

downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/Index.htm purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop

Simon Hearn Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

iii Human Capital, Communications & Information Systems COMPLETED PROJECTS

Information and Communications Systems: PROJECT PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE No No Interactive internet support for farmers' situated CST-7A learning and planning: FARMSCAPE Online Dr. Zvi Hochman (07) 4688 1298 CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems 1 Supporting rural SMEs in selection of E- ECU-13A marketplaces Prof. Craig Standing (08) 9400 5545 Edith Cowan University 2 The Australian Farmers Guide to Electronic RJP-3A Commerce Mr. Robert J Parker 0407 021 336 Robert J. Parker 3 Online group processes to facilitate rural internet UQ-105A research and development Ms. Marie Jasinski (08) 8278 2973 The University of Queensland 5

Extension, Education and Training: PROJECT PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE No No National workshop developing competencies for agricultural and natural resource management Australian Institute of Agricultural AIA-10A (NRM) practitioners Mr. Dennis Toohey (02) 6041 4955 Science 6 Government responses to farm poverty 1989-1998 ANU-43 The policy development process Dr. Linda Botterill (02) 6125 5534 Australian National University 7 Short course for farmers using flexible delivery GOC-1A methods Dr. Christopher Bell (03) 9439 2019 Gossamer Communications 8 UNE-68A Older farmers and retirement Ms. Roslyn Foskey (02) 6773 2094 University of New England 9 Identifying how attitudinal factors impact on family USO-2A farm business performance A/Prof. Evan Hunt (02) 6360 5518 The University of Sydney 11

Rural Communities and Social Issues: PROJECT PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE No No The impacts of changing farm business structures ECU-12A on rural communities II Prof. Alan Black (08) 9400 5844 Edith Cowan University 12 OPTIONS SERIES: Sources of farm household Synapse Agricultural and Resource SYC-8A income - policy implications Mr. Tony Gleeson (07) 3844 2370 Consulting 13 UNE-84A Attitudes to recreational use of rural properties Ms. Elaine Barclay (02) 6773 5141 University of New England 14 More than an Education: Leadership for rural UT-31A school−community partnerships Dr. Sue Kilpatrick 03 6324 3018 University of Tasmania 15

Policies and Institutions: PROJECT PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE No No BRR-8A Literature review: risk and risk perception Dr. Linda Botterill (02) 6125 5534 Bureau of Rural Sciences 16

Farm Health and Safety: PROJECT PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE No No FAI-1A 4th National Farm Injury Prevention Conference Mr. Richard Franklin (02) 6752 8215 The University of Sydney 17 GAP-1A Farm machinery safety regulatory review project Prof. Neil Gunningham (02) 6249 3397 Gunningham & Associates Pty Ltd 18 Evaluation of farm injury prevention in Victoria 1998- UMO-22A 2001 Dr. Lesley Day (03) 9905 1811 Monash University 19 UMO-29A Preliminary safety tractor access platform evaluation Dr. Lesley Day (03) 9905 1811 Monash University 20 Preliminary stage of noise injury prevention in the US-111A farming community Mr. Richard Franklin (02) 6752 8215 The University of Sydney 21 National farm injury data collection - Australian US-86A centre for agricultural health & safety A/Prof. Lyn Fragar (02) 6752 8210 The University of Sydney 22 National farm machinery safety program - Australian US-87A Centre for Agricultural Health & Safety A/Prof. Lyn Fragar (02) 6752 8210 The University of Sydney 25 Rural health and safety intervention for the WA Centre for Rural Health & WAC-2A Agricultural sector in the South West of WA Dr. Samar Aoun (08) 9791 9488 Community Development Inc. 27

Leadership PROJECT PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE No No ABB-4A Heywire IV - The ABC gives regional youth a voice Ms. Justine McSweeney (03) 9626 1861 ABC Radio 29 Nuffield Farming Scholarship Review Australian Nuffield Farming ANF-1A Implementation Project Mr. Bryan Clark (02) 6964 5232 Scholars Association 31 iv

Contents continued Human Capital, Communications & Information Systems RESEARCH IN PROGRESS 2002-2003

Information and Communications Systems: PROJECT PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE No No Case studies of the emergence of E-work in rural ECU-11A Australia Dr. Peter Standen (08) 9273 8335 Edith Cowan University 32 Effective use of the internet to help retain ECU-14A professionals employed in rural Australia Dr. Anthony Herrington (08) 9400 5571 Edith Cowan University 33 RJP-4A Internet and E-commerce guide updates Mr. Robert J Parker 0407 021 336 Mr Robert J. Parker 34

Extension, Education and Training: PROJECT PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE No No BCG-1A Virtual field day for improved decision making Dr. Harm van Rees (03) 5439 3089 Birchip Cropping Group 35

Rural Communities and Social Issues: PROJECT PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE No No BRR-6A Profiling Australia 's rural population and industries Dr. Allan Curtis (02) 6272 3933 Bureau of Rural Sciences 36 Techniques for the growth of the family farm UM-48A business Mr. Geoffrey Tually (03) 5362 2222 The University of Melbourne 37

Farm Health and Safety PROJECT PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE No No CUT-7A Reducing all-terrain vehicle injury Dr. Tony Lower (08) 9359 4118 Curtin University of Technology 38 Organophosphate exposure in agricultural workers: Queensland University of QUT-5A human exposure and risk assessment. A/Prof. Michael Capra (07) 3964 5804 Technology 39

Scholarships PROJECT PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE No No RIRDC Research Fellow at the Australian Centre for UG-5A Intellectual Property in Agriculture (ACIPA) Prof. Brad Sherman (07) 3875 5449 Griffith University 40

Capacity Building for Innovation in Rural Industries – Cooperative Venture PROJECT PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE No No Participative evaluation of learning and impacts from CSW-37A "farmer-driven RDE" Dr. Peter Carberry (07) 4688 1377 CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems 41 Targeting 'pragmatist' farmers in transfer of CSW-38A simulation-based decision support Dr. Lisa Brennan (07) 3214 2373 CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems 42 Improving delivery mechanisms for sustainable land Department of Primary Industries DAV-201A management in the small farm sector Ms. Carol Hollier (02) 6030 4500 (Vic) 43 John McKenzie & Associates Pty JMA-1A Capacity building cooperative venture coordination Mr. John McKenzie (02) 6366 5000 Ltd 44 Communication strategy for the CV: capacity NAT-1A building for innovation in rural industries-consultancy Ms. Anne Currey (02) 6628 7079 Naturally Resourceful Pty Ltd 45 Capacity Building for Innovation in Rural Industries Cooperative Venture Project 1 - National Roberts Research and Evaluation RRE-1A Education/Extension Evaluation Dr. Jeff Coutts 0438 361153 Pty Ltd 46 Reconceptualising extension to deliver triple bottom UM-62A line outcomes Dr. Ruth Beilin (03) 9250 6859 The University of Melbourne 47 Creating inspiration - how visual and performing arts UNE-85A shape environmental behaviour Dr. Nick Reid (02) 6773 2759 University of New England 48

v COMPETED PROJECTS Information and Communication Systems

Project Title: FARMSCAPE Online: Internet based support for farmers’ situated learning and planning

RIRDC Project N.: CST-7A Researcher: Dean Hargreaves and Zvi Hochman Organisation: CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems PO Box 102 TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350. Phone: 07 4688 1298 Fax: 07 4688 1193 Email: [email protected] Objectives • To conduct programs of Internet-based interactions between farmers and professionals to develop a practical and commercially-feasible methodology for researchers and consultants to facilitate learning programs for farmers within their own farming situations.

Background FARMSCAPE researchers demonstrated the effectiveness and value of face-to-face simulation aided discussion sessions. Farmers often attributed significant management gains to their involvement in these sessions. In an earlier RIRDC project CST-1A (Piloting Internet Delivery of APSIM Support to Farmers, Advisers and Researchers) we successfully piloted synchronous Internet- based meetings between farmers, their advisers and researchers.

Research Replacing face to face FARMSCAPE workshops with Internet enabled Online FARMSCAPE workshops proved to be cost effective and time efficient while delivering the same measurable impact on farmers’ management practice. Online interactions were successful when certain conditions were met. There must be sufficient mutual understanding between farmers, advisers and researchers (including mutual respect for each others expertise, and appreciation by researchers for farmers felt problems). There must also be effective interaction between participants. This is conditional on: good local and remote facilitation; common understandings about interpretation and meaning of representations and reliable technical function.

Outcomes More than 15 online workshops and 20 other interactions were conducted with eight farmer groups, directly involving 160 farmers from four states. Some 500 farmers directly received information derived from online workshops via the regular ‘Yield Prophet’ fax developed jointly with the Birchip Cropping Group. A further 6000 stakeholders received printed information derived from activities within these workshops.

Implications This project has shown that a commercially feasible methodology exists for supporting researchers and consultants in using the FARMSCAPE approach to facilitate learning programs for farmers within their own farming situations. An individually tailored monthly ‘Yield Prophet’ is delivered this year to more than 30 farmers on a fee for service basis.

Publications Hochman, Z., van Rees, H., Jackman, A., and Dalgliesh, N.P. Using the cropping system simulator APSIM to investigate the impacts of subsoil constraints on wheat production. In Proceedings VII European Society for Agronomy Congress, 15-18 July 2002, Cordoba, Spain. pp295-296.

Project Title: Supporting Rural SMEs in the Selection of E-Marketplaces

RIRDC Project No: ECU-13A Researcher: Craig Standing and Rosemary Stockdale Organisation: Edith Cowan University 100 Joondalup Drive Joondalup Western Australia 6027 Phone: (08) 6304 5545 Fax: (08) 6304 5988 Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Objectives • The overall objective of this study is to facilitate the move to trading via e- marketplaces by rural industries, to enable them to gain the benefits of access to international markets and lower costs. This will be done through a report that includes a decision framework, seminars for rural SMEs and a website.

Background Electronic marketplaces are increasingly becoming part of the business landscape, especially for larger organizations. However, there is little information on the use and potential of electronic marketplaces for regional/rural small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This report aims to address this gap by explaining how SMEs can effectively participate in electronic marketplace trading.

Research The literature on the importance and characteristics of rural SMEs is summarised. The problems of SME participation in e-marketplaces are related to the issues of SME participation in e-commerce. Hence, the issues surrounding SMEs and e-commerce adoption are explained. The various types of e-marketplaces are explained. Then the issues related rural SMEs and e-marketplace participation are examined. This involves discussing the advantages of participation for SMEs and the barriers to participation. The issues are brought together and presented in the form of a decision framework that can guide SMEs through the e-marketplace decision making process.

Outcomes For rural SMEs to effectively decide upon e-marketplace participation they need to: • Have a clear strategic rationale for participation • Make resources available to support the process • Identify products and services to be bought and sold • Decide upon the level of external support required • Identify the level of support required from the e-marketplace • Identify the role and importance of relationships with other businesses The selection of an e-marketplace should involve: • Identifying a match between the company requirements and the e-marketplace characteristics • Assessing desirable features of e-marketplaces including critical mass, revenue models, security features, technology requirements and trust and privacy issues.

Implications This project has shown there is great potential in e-marketplaces for rural SMEs. However, the decision making process is complex and requires considerable thought and planning if rural SMEs are to be effectively participate. This involves developing a clear rationale for participation and effective selection of appropriate e-marketplaces.

Publications Stockdale, R. & Standing, C. (2003). A E-Marketplace Decision Support Framework for Rural SMEs. In Progress (To be submitted to the Australasian Conference on Information Systems).

Project Title: The Rural and Regional Guide to E-commerce

RIRDC Project No: RJP-3A Researcher: Robert Parker Organisation: Consultant Phone: 0407 021 336 Fax: N/A Email: [email protected]

Objectives The objectives of this project were to: • create an easy to read, user-friendly guide to electronic commerce for rural and regional Australians, and • demystify the e-commerce environment for consumers and small to medium enterprises, providing information which can make online shopping and sales experiences safer, and introduce them to the diverse range of e-commerce goods and services available online.

Background “Electronic commerce” is increasingly seen as being synonymous with the “new economy”, such is the recognition of the impact it is having on the global economy. Significantly, this new economy has no boundaries in time or space, and has the potential to substantially reduce the disparity in the availability of goods, services and consumer choice, which has for so long existed between rural Australians and those living in major metropolitan centres. The Rural and Regional Guide to E-commerce aims to assist and encourage the rural and regional community to embrace e-commerce practices by providing information on: • accessing a greater range of goods and services through a global marketplace; • the convenience of choosing when, where and how to shop, bank and trade; • access to lower/more competitive pricing; • the ability to research and compare product prices and specifications prior to purchase; • flexibility in personalising or customising products before delivery; • gaining quicker access to more accurate information; • tapping into new online marketing channels; • realizing more efficient operation within markets; and, • the opportunities to market and sell products and/or services to the global marketplace.

Research The research for The Australian Farmers Guide to E-commerce identified and analysed relevant sources of information from published sources (e.g. magazines, newspaper articles, journals, books, web sites etc) to glean information which was of particular relevance to the contents of The Guide. As a sponsor of The Guide, Telstra Country Wide also offered a great deal of assistance by providing information which assists the rural and regional community in optimising their use of the telecommunications network and data/e-commerce services. Among other things, Telstra Country Wide assisted in providing access to information: • from individuals with expertise in network access issues; • from individuals with expertise in e-commerce; • for optimising network performance on: • radio systems (DRCS); • pair gain systems (copper wire); • broadband satellite services; • about minimising electric fence interference; • for achieving streamlined access to data services in rural and regional areas; • to assist in troubleshooting common access issues and problems; • on who to contact for help and support; and • security issues for e-commerce customers/merchants; The Guide also built on the research undertaken for the successful RIRDC workshop on e-commerce held in June 2000. The case-study information collected for the workshop

and subsequent report provides a rich source of material illustrating successful implementation of e-commerce practices. Case study material was also made available by the National Office for the Information Economy (NOIE).

Outcomes The outcomes of this project are that rural and regional Australians: • have a more well rounded understanding of what e-commerce is and the range of services it offers; • can appreciate how e-commerce can be used to their advantage as a consumer or business provider; • feel confident enough in their understanding of e-commerce and the issues associated with it, that they are prepared to use e-commerce services to fulfil business or personal needs.

Implications The implications of this project are that it has helped to: • facilitate and promote the adoption of e-commerce by providing a comprehensive, easy to read guide to electronic commerce for Australia’s rural community; • illustrate the benefits and pitfalls of e-commerce, by presenting practical advice and information in layman’s terms, thereby encouraging readers to adopt sound e- commerce practices; • illustrate through real world examples how e-commerce has been successfully adopted to establish online enterprises or to support existing real world businesses; • illustrate how e-commerce can be used by everyday consumers to improve business efficiency and/or offer greater lifestyle benefits; and, • provide a range of information about the types of e-commerce services available to give new e-commerce users some initial reference points to conducting commerce online.

Publications The result of this project is the publication of a 293 page guide to electronic commerce entitled The Rural and Regional Guide to E-commerce. The Guide contains 8 chapters and 3 appendices: Part I – Introducing e-commerce Chapter 1 – The story so far Part II – Where e-commerce is today Chapter 2 – Gearing up for e-commerce Chapter 3 – Play it smart, play it safe Chapter 4 - How can I participate in e-commerce? Part III – Establishing an e-business Chapter 5 – Look before you leap Chapter 6 – Taking on e-commerce Chapter 7 – Marketing Chapter 8 – Customer service and support Appendix A NOIE E-Commerce Ready Reckoner Appendix B Internet connection troubleshooting guide Appendix C Some useful Internet resources Inside back cover Telstra Big Pond Internet starter kit

4 Project Title: Online group processes to facilitate rural internet research and development

RIRDC Project No: UQ-105A Researcher: Warwick Easdown, Marie Jasinski and Ross Colliver Organisation: Design Planet Pty. Ltd PO Box 1183 Blackwood, SA, 5051 Phone: (08) 8278 2973 Fax: (08) 8278 6025 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

Objectives • To prototype email based group process for identifying and refining research and development projects in use of the Internet in rural industries and communities.

Background There is a modest amount of Australian research and innovation work being done in the use of the Internet in rural and regional Australia, but communication between those engaged in the work is limited, particularly in the design phase of research proposals. Lack of time and not knowing who to talk to are constraints for most people, particularly for innovators in Internet use in rural Australia.

Research A series of structured email activities were used over a four month period from September to December 2002 to generate and refine seven research and development proposals to enhance use of the Internet in rural and regional Australia. The eighty participants included farmers and graziers, business people and those from government and education, both from Australia and internationally.

Outcomes The email games process is able to generate well-grounded proposals for research and development from people usually separated by distance and social networks. The design of the process is critical, requiring a three-pronged attention to the cognitive task at hand, the perspective of the participants, and the cohesive of the group as it develops. In communication with participants, a knowledge of the context in which they work is essential. In developing research proposals, participants must have broad knowledge of the field they are addressing in order to develop a rationale and workable methodology.

Implications The use of email games presents an alternative to existing processes for seeking R&D proposals, which funders should trial in other areas.

5 Extension, Education and Training

Project Title: Towards Professional Accreditation for Advisers and Consultants in Agriculture, Natural Resource Management and related sectors

RIRDC Project No: AIA-10A Researcher: Dennis E Toohey Organisation: Australian Association Agricultural Consultants Phone: 02.6041 4955 Fax: 02.60414350 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • To investigate the need and support for a National Accreditation Scheme for professional consultants and advisers in agriculture, natural resource management and related sectors.

Background The increasing complexity of land management for production and conservation has generated a need for specialist inputs by advisers and consultants. However, there are no prescribed qualifications or standards for such advisers and consultants, hence the interest in the development of a National Accreditation Scheme.

Research A consultative process of focus groups and a workshop involving a spread of geographic and industry representatives focused on the need for professional accreditation, what such a scheme might contain, and how it might be achieved and implemented.

Outcomes It was agreed that professional accreditation would have significant benefits for clients, the market and the individual professional. There was widespread support for a single national accreditation scheme that caters for the public, corporate and private sectors.

Implications Advisers and consultants would need to undertake regular professional accreditation in order to access discounted professional indemnity insurance, have access to government-funded projects and recognition under quality assurance programs in national and international markets.

Project Title: Government responses to farm poverty 1989-1998 The policy development process

RIRDC Project No: ANU-43A Researcher: Linda Botterill Organisation: Australian National University Phone: (02) 6125 5534 Fax: (02) 6125 2222 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • The Objectives of the research were to complete a PhD thesis in political science and then rework the thesis for publication by RIRDC in order to generate debate within policy circles and the broader rural community about the way in which the government responds to farm poverty and how that response can be improved.

Background Poverty has been a feature of Australian agriculture for decades and various programs have been incorporated within rural reconstruction and rural adjustment schemes over the years to provide household support to farmers experiencing financial hardship. In recent years there has been a series of complex schemes developed to respond to the needs of farm families in difficulty, including the Farm Household Support Scheme, the Drought Relief Payment and, more recently, the Farm Family Restart Scheme. These schemes have been developed by the Department of Primary Industries and Energy and its successor Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Australia in the context of the Department's structural adjustment objectives for the farm sector. The Project aims to generate debate about the values inherent in programs of this type and how different policy approaches might result in more effective government programs and improve the outcomes for farmers in poverty. Most academic work on rural issues has been undertaken to date by sociologists, agricultural economists and physical scientists. This project will broaden the understanding of government responses to farm poverty by examining the policy development process from a political science perspective.

Research The Project initially took the form of an 80,000-100,000 word PhD thesis which examined how the Commonwealth Government developed policy in response to farm poverty in the decade from 1989. Using a number of political science theories the research developed an explanation of the policy process and how it impacted on the shape and outcomes of government programs. Research included interviews with key policy makers, interest groups, rural counsellors, individual farmers, politicians and rural commentators as well as an examination of the political science literature on policy development processes. The second stage of the project reworked the thesis into a more accessible, less academic style for publication by RIRDC.

Outcomes The PhD thesis was submitted for examination in April 2001 and was passed without amendment in September 2001. The relevant portions of the thesis were then reworked into a Report and two short reports for RIRDC.

Project Title: Short course for farmers using flexible delivery methods

RIRDC Project No: GOC-1A Researcher: Dr. Christopher J. Bell Organisation: Gossamer Communications Phone: (03) 9439 2019 Fax: (03) 9444 0686 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • To test whether or not it is feasible in terms of the cost, technology and interest to offer a short course on an aspect of new technology of interest to farmers using the Internet, and • To determine whether such a course would be useful and acceptable to them if it were an informal short course offered by a commercial provider not associated with that technology.

Background Education and training are seen as important for farmers, but are difficult because of their remoteness from sources of such training. The Internet has made considerable inroads into rural Australia and provides a possible means for the delivery of training, particularly short courses, at low cost.

Research An Internet-based, introductory course on the technology of Precision Agriculture was developed and offered at low cost. The course was advertised in rural newspapers, at a field day and in farming magazines as well as on the Internet. Logs of interest and usage were kept and analysed.

Outcomes Very few farmers took up the opportunity to take this course.

Implications While the technology of the Internet was adequate for the course, this method of provision and delivery was not appropriate for farmers. It is likely that for any course to reach farmers, they must have a high degree of trust in the organisation offering the course, and in the means of delivery. This trust (social capital) must be built up within the local community (whether real or virtual), and will require new and innovative approaches using local resources. Possibilities include agricultural and other local colleges, and secondary schools. This will be a long-term process, and if increased training is seen as important in the short term, it may be best to encourage it by requiring certification by law (e.g. chemical handling), by quality assurance schemes such as ISO 14000 series or by scholarships and fellowships.

Project Title: Older Farmers and Retirement

RIRDC Project No: UNE-68A Researcher: Ms. Roslyn Foskey Organisation: University of New England Institute for Rural Futures ARMIDALE NSW 2351 Phone: 02 67732094 Fax: 02 67733245 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ruralfutures.une.edu.au

Objectives • Review of Australian and international literature on retirement in general, farmers and retirement and farm succession. • A study in two selected regions (north-western and north coast of NSW) to provide a greater understanding of how Australian farmers define and experience retirement and ageing. • Comparison of the retirement experience of farmers and other groups in the Australian community. • Review of factors likely to influence farmers’ retirement actions, including government policies and programs. • The development, pilot and evaluation of a retirement planning education program for farmers, in the two selected regions in consultation with appropriate government and community sector services.

Background Retirement in Australia is a transition made by individuals and couples within a changing social and economic context. Prior to this study of the farm sector, there had been limited research in Australia that had focused on the expectations and experiences of retirement for people living in non-metropolitan areas. The high proportion of older farmers has often been perceived as a barrier to the implementation of structural adjustment policies in the industry.

Research This study has sought to integrate ideas and concepts from a range of disciplines. It began with a review of relevant literature. In late 2000 and early 2001 research fieldwork was undertaken in the coastal areas of Alstonville and the Nambucca Valley and inland areas of Gunnedah and Glen Innes in northern New South Wales. A total of seventy-one people participated in the research interviews and focus groups, including eleven service providers, forty-one active farmers (including eight who had ‘retired’ to farming following another career), eight semi-retired farmers, and fifteen retired farmers. In the third stage a group of nine retired and semi-retired farmers were recruited as volunteer farm retirement helpers for a peer support program, which was then piloted in northern NSW October 2001 – June 2002.

Outcomes This project assisted in raising awareness of the difference between succession planning and retirement planning amongst professionals dealing with the farm sector. It has demonstrated the importance of trained farmer peers who have already made the transition to retirement in promoting a more positive image of retirement as a new stage of life following a farming career. It has also shown the role these volunteer farm retirement helpers can play in extending the information and support network available to people in farming planning for the transition into retirement. The project has also illustrated the way in which the media can be utilized to assist in promoting discussion on retirement within the farming community and in challenging the stereotype that real farmers do not retire. Implications For many of the senior generation in farming four aspects of farm life are enmeshed and influence decision making – farm work as a central component of identity, the farm as home, attachment to the farm as a valued place and finally the farm as a business and source of income. Associated with this is often a lack of diversity in social networks and interests. However, societal change will continue to alter the 9

balance between generations in farming and these are changes to which the industry will need to adapt. It can be predicted that, even with improvements in the process of transition into retirement, many of the senior generation of farmers will choose to remain active in their farm businesses well into later life. However it is important that farmers are given the knowledge and understanding to be able to make an informed choice on the timing and process of their retirement. The challenge for policy and practice is to ensure that, regardless of the age for eventual withdrawal from farming, the senior generation are assisted to undertake forward planning that includes preparation for retirement as a new stage of life. In order for this to occur the emphasis in retirement education for the senior generation in farming needs to shift away from a concentration almost solely on succession planning, to a more broadly based learner centred approach to life planning which takes place across a farming career.

Publications Volunteer Farm Retirement Helpers – 8 minute promotional video, Institute For Rural Futures, February 2002.

Project Title: Identifying how attitudinal factors impact on family farm business performance

RIRDC Project No: USO-2A Researcher: A/Prof. Evan Hunt Organisation: The University of Sydney, PO Box 883, ORANGE NSW 2800 Phone: 02 6360 5518 Fax: 02 6360 5590 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • The research will examine whether the attitudinal characteristics of management have an influence on a farming family's capability to manage and implement change to achieve high levels of business performance. The project will identify how these characteristics are acquired, and establish how the training and learning methodologies used in current farmer training programs might be improved to become more economically effective.

Background Previous studies have shown that farmers are not motivated by monetary success alone, and with the limitations of narrow economic models, it is important to be able to assess farming performance in other broad areas. This project has identified a group of high performers and a group of low performers based upon an extended model of measuring business performance. The business performance indicator was then used to identify other key components that indicate success, for example, attitudes and values, self efficacy, progressive management strategies and education factors.

Research Using face-to-face interviews data were obtained from a random sample of 200 family farm businesses involving 308 individuals (100 females, 208 males), representing the farm management team, from NSE and Victoria covering a range of farming enterprises. Specific aspects explored in the research project were: business performance, attitudes and values (including self-efficacy), skills and education and training.

Outcomes We identified statistically significant relationships among farmers’ business performance, attitudes, skill acquisition and development. For all farmers’ the maintaining of a positive, stable family relationship was of paramount importance in the running of the family farm business and that attitudes were largely shaped within the family situation. Farmers’ identified as high performers: • Had a higher self-efficacy. • Less active in the community. • More likely to give a high priority to family issues and a lower priority to environmental issues. • Committed to the creation of long term wealth. • On average, eight years younger than the lower performers. Farmers’ identified as low performers: • Had low self-efficacy. • Less confident in their own ability to effect change and thus business performance. • More likely to seek to maximise profits. • More highly committed to the farms’ environmental health. • More likely to give a high priority to family issues and lower priority to business issues.

Implications • Entrepreneurial characteristics, such as risk acceptance and high levels of self-efficacy appear to be acquired from a combination of formal, informal, and on-the-job learning. • Topics aimed at developing family relationships and health need to be incorporated into future training programs for farmers. • Learning experiences based in natural settings, e.g. the farm, using authentic activities have the potential to develop the cognitive capabilities of transferability and adaptability of knowledge. • Experiential, continuous, relevant action learning style processes are the ways that motivated successful farmers learn. • The gap in management attitudes and skills of the management teams of different agricultural enterprises should be addressed.

Rural Communities and Social Issues

Project Title: Case studies of the emergence of E-work in rural Australia

RIRDC Project No: ECU-12A Researcher: Professor Alan Black Organisation: Edith Cowan University Phone: 08 6304 5844 Fax: 08 6304 5866 Email: [email protected]

Objectives The overall objective of this research is to determine the impacts of various farm business structures on the economic and social well-being and sustainability of rural communities. The more specific objectives are: • To assess the relative contribution of different farm business structures to local and regional economic activity in five case study communities. • To assess the economic and social impacts of different farm business structures on these rural communities. • To determine the infrastructure and service needs associated with various farm business structures. • To provide a basis for informed decision-making on issues such as local and regional investment and development strategies, infrastructure and service provision, land-use planning, and agricultural policy.

Background This project developed out of a workshop (ECU-10A) funded by RIRDC that identified issues needing empirical investigation.

Research Data were gathered through a literature review, interviews with various stakeholders and a mail survey of persons associated with family farms and corporate farms in five case study localities: Berri/Barmera (South Australia), Circular Head (Tasmania), Leeton (NSW), Narrabri (NSW), and Wambo/Dalby (Queensland).

Outcomes Detailed analysis was made of the impact of two forms of corporate involvement in farming: contract farming and corporate farming.

Implications Whilst rural communities may receive many benefits from both contract farming and corporate farming, there are some risks or potential negative effects associated with each of these business structures. The report makes recommendations on ways in which the benefits can be maximised and the potential negative impacts minimised.

Publications The report will be published by RIRDC under the title Rural Communities and Changing Farm Business Structures: An Assessment of the Socio-Economic Impacts.

Project Title: OPTIONS SERIES: Sources of farm household income - policy implications

RIRDC Project No: SYC-8A Researcher: Tony Gleeson Organisation: Synapse Research & Consulting Phone: (07) 3844 2370 Fax: (07) 3844 2370 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • To examine the significance of off farm income for farm families and their management practices through a review of social, agricultural and income tax statistics, Australian and overseas literature, and a series of case studies of the off farm activities of farmers engaged in innovative farming practices.

Background Almost universally the trend towards multiple income streaming in the farm sector is perceived negatively. It is perceived as an undesirable ‘last option’ response to financial adjustment pressures. While overseas research has analysed the phenomenon of multiple farm income streams within a broader context, there is little Australian literature that takes a multi-faceted view of the increasing reliance of Australian farm households on non-agricultural income.

Research This report has analysed Australian and overseas literature, ABS, ABARE and taxation statistics, sociological and geographical data, and a selected group of innovative farmers in order to present a broader perspective of farm household income streams than is commonly apparent in rural policies and programs.

Outcomes The research indicates that many farmers have multiple income streams, and that off farm income provides a significant contribution to farm household income for a large proportion of farm families. In addition to this, the research suggests that the decision for farmers to work off farm is shaped by a number of complex and interrelating social, cultural and geographical factors as well as economic ones. Factors such as geography, gender, educational qualifications, business characteristics and experience all influence a farmer’s decision to work off farm. They also influence the nature of work undertaken, the hours spent off farm, and the income derived from off farm income.

Implications The earning of off farm income has traditionally been viewed as a negative response to increasing financial pressures. However this report indicates that there may be many positive consequences of the multiple sourcing of income by farm households; and that multiple income streaming, particularly but not exclusively for farm households, is now an important determinant of the future economic, ecological and social health of rural Australia.

Project Title: Attitudes to recreational use of private rural lands

RIRDC Project No: UNE-84A Researcher: Elaine Barclay Organisation: Institute for Rural Futures The University of New England Phone: (02) 67735141 Fax: (02)67733245 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • The study aimed to conduct a series of focus groups and interviews with farmers, shooters organizations and other recreation groups to examine the attitudes of each group towards the issue of recreational access to private rural lands, identify the primary concerns of each group and seek some solutions towards possible cooperative ventures between the parties.

Background Previous studies conducted by the author revealed that illegal trespassers and shooters cause considerable concern for farmers. The offenders appear to have little respect for farm property, frequently damaging crops, livestock and farm infrastructure. As a consequence, many landholders deny access to their properties to all but family and close friends. With many national parks and forests also restricting access to the general public, the opportunities for outdoor recreation in rural areas are becoming less and less.

Research Focus groups and interviews were conducted in three regions: the northwest plains and the northern Tablelands of New South Wales, and southern Queensland. The focus groups were held with three farmers’ organisations, three shooters’ clubs and three four-wheel-drive clubs. Interviews were held with farmers, professional hunters, rural police and key informants from government agencies.

Outcomes The study found that landholder attitudes to recreational access to their properties were largely influenced by the type and extent of recreational activities and their past experiences with recreationists. Concerns about public liability in the event of an accident and their personal values and beliefs, local and family traditions were also influencing factors. There is a lack of communication between landholders and recreationists

Implications Outdoor recreation is a legitimate land use but the opportunities are becoming increasingly less. Improved communication between farmer organisations, National Parks and State Forests, hunters, four-wheel-drive groups and several other recreation groups with an interest in accessing private rural lands would improve understanding and lead to possible cooperative ventures to improve opportunities for outdoor recreation in rural areas.

Project Title: More than an Education: Leadership for rural school−community partnerships

RIRDC Project No: UT-31A Researcher: Dr Sue Kilpatrick Organisation: Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia, University of Tasmania Locked Bag 1-313 LAUNCESTON TAS 7250 Phone: 03 6324 3018 Fax: 03 6324 3040 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • To examine the extent and nature of the contribution of rural schools to their communities’ development beyond traditional forms of education of young people. • To investigate the ways in which the modes of leadership of the school and community leaders influence the extent and nature of the school’s contribution to the community. • To consider the constraints to schools being put to other uses.

Background Research suggests there are a number of economic and social benefits to communities from rural schools, which are not well understood. This project stemmed from a need within the Australian rural context to better understand how community social capital can be built using the resources and opportunities provided by schools, and the role of leadership in the process.

Research The project comprised case studies of five rural communities in different Australian States. Communities were selected to reflect diversity in terms of population size, industry base, school provision, geographic isolation, and level of maturity of the school−community partnership. Three data collection techniques were used: semi- structured interviews, observation, and written documentation collected from school and community sources. Following data analysis, preliminary findings were presented at community meetings in each study site, and participants were invited to have input into drafting recommendations, which informed the final report.

Outcomes Rural school−community partnerships facilitate interaction through which social capital is built, leading to increased individual and community capacity. Effective leadership for school–community partnerships is a collective process through which school and community together develop and enact shared visions that reflect their collective needs and collective future. Developing effective school–community partnerships requires rural schools and communities to learn together how to adapt, mould and shape policy to support their vision, and to risk take when necessary. VET-in-schools programs play an important rural community development role for which further research is planned.

Implications Rural schools and communities must: value youth, scan the horizon for new opportunities, encourage broad-based participation in school and community leadership, recognise that the development of school–community links takes time, and involve external stakeholders from the beginning. Policy makers must: ensure continuity of resources and policy flexibility, facilitate the appointment of school–community liaison officers, and refocus VET-in-schools programs to include rural community development.

Publications Johns, S., Kilpatrick, S., Falk, I. & Mulford, B. 2000, ‘Taking the lead: The role of rural schools in community development’, Paper presented at Education: The Global TSPA/CCEAM/ACEA/ NZEAS/PNGCEA International Conference, Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, 9−12 September. Johns, S., Kilpatrick, S., Falk, I. & Mulford, B. 2001, ‘Thinking outside the box’, Refereed paper presented at Research to Reality AVETRA Conference, Adelaide Hilton, Adelaide, 28−30 March. Johns, S., Kilpatrick, S., Falk, I. & Mulford, B. 2001, ‘Leadership from within: Rural community revitalisation and the school−community partnership’, Youth Studies Australia, vol. 20, no. 3, September, pp. 20−25.

15 Policies and Institutions

Project Title: Literature review: risk and risk perception

RIRDC Project No: BRR-8A Researcher: Dr. Nicki Mazur Organisation: Bureau of Rural Sciences Social Sciences Centre PO Box 858 KINGSTON ACT 2601 Phone: 02 6272-3371 Fax: 02 6272-4687 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • The proposal is to undertake an interdisciplinary literature review on risk and risk perception. The research will investigate and review a range of risk literature including sociological, psychological, economic, policy and technical.

Background A number of key areas of rural policy are based on the concept of risk management. Biosecurity, Australia applies risk assessment techniques when assessing proposals for the import of animals and plants and their products into Australia. The National Drought Policy is based on a risk management approach to climate variability. These policies are based on a particular technical, probabilistic understanding of risk, which may not be shared by the broader stakeholder community with which policy makers’ deal. The mismatch between policy makers’ understanding of risk and that of their stakeholders can lead to sub optimal policy outcomes. An improved understanding of the public’s perceptions of risk will contribute to better communication of government decisions, for example in the area of quarantine risk analysis.

Research The proposal is to undertake an interdisciplinary literature review on risk and risk perception. This entails an investigation of a wide range of risk literature across numerous scientific disciplines.

Outcomes This completed report provides an increased understanding of the diversity of theoretical approaches to risk and risk perception and the available work on farmers’ perceptions of risk. Upon publication and dissemination, it will benefit a range of industries by clarifying the meaning and intent of the term risk as used by policy makers and others and will highlight areas of confusion. It will also provide a useful tool for policy makers in improving their communication with stakeholder groups by alerting them to possible ambiguities in the use of the term ‘risk management’.

Implications While most agree that farmers tend to be risk averse, it is less clear how different farmers’ and rural communities’ risk perceptions are from the rest of society, because of a dearth of Australian research on these groups and on the influence of other socio- demographic factors. This research shortage needs to be redressed given that the success of a range of agricultural, NRM and rural policies and programs depends on understanding how farmers’ (and rural communities) perceive risk and how those perceptions vary among individuals, groups and communities.

Furthermore, declining trust in institutions responsible for science and technology may be exacerbated by continued reliance on older models of risk communication. Innovative risk communication models focus on: ‘risk’ as socially constructed; valuing different forms of knowledge; and improving public participation in risk assessment and management. Yet there are significant challenges to facilitating more and inclusive dialogues with the public and a range of capacity building strategies are needed which target the public as well as policy and scientific communities.

Publications The report will be published as part of the RIRDC report series.

16 Farm Health and Safety

Project Title: 4th National Farm Injury Prevention Conference

RIRDC Project No.: FAI-1A Researcher: Richard Franklin Organisation: Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety PO Box 256 Moree NSW 2400 Phone: 02 6752 8210 Fax: 02 6752 6639 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • To catalogue farm health and safety activities undertaken in the last five years by, Work Health Authorities, Divisions of General Practice and University Departments of Rural Health

Background The health status of male farmers in Australia especially injury related is worse than their urban peers. Non-intentional injury on Australian farms results in around 150 deaths, 6,500 hospital admissions, and 6,000 workers compensation claims each year. In addition, there are between 20 and 70 presentations to hospital emergency departments for farm injury per 100 farms. The current cost of farm injury in Australia is thought to be between $0.5 and $1.29 billion per annum. A contributing factor to farms, as a workplace and a home, is that injury is attributed to all ages. In particular, children and older adults are at risk of injury on farms. Injury Prevention 2001 offers a wonderful opportunity for researchers, policy makers, practitioners, industry, and farmers with a particular interest in rural injury to come together. Injury Prevention 2001 provides an opportunity for RIRDC, as a major stakeholder in injury prevention in the agriculture the opportunity to strengthen and develop its identity in the rural workplace health and safety sector.

Research All Work Health Authorities, Rural Divisions of General Practice, and University Department of Rural Health were survey for farm health and safety activities over the last five years. This information was then catalogued according to themes from the responses.

Outcomes Information about the activities of the Work Health Authorities, Rural Division of General Practice and University Departments of Rural Health were catalogued and presented at the 4th National Farm Injury Prevention Conference.

Implications This project has shown that there is an extensive amount of work being undertaken in Australia in the area of Farm Health and Safety.

Project Title: Farm machinery safety regulatory review project

RIRDC Project No: GAP-1A Researcher: Professor Neil Gunningham Organisation: Gunningham and Associates Phone: 02 6125 3397 Fax: 02 6125 4899 Email: [email protected]

Objectives As part of the Farmsafe Australia National Farm Machinery Safety Strategy, to: 1. Identify and distinguish between national, state and territory legislation/regulations/standards, which relate to farm machinery design, farm machinery safety codes/designs and safe work practices. 2. Review the effectiveness and appropriateness of legislation and standards in improving farm machinery safety, including issues of national uniformity and interpretation. 3. Examine the relationship between legislation, standards and codes of practice. 4. Assess the relative efficiency and effectiveness of specification, performance and process/systems based standards. Recommend the optimal mix of different types of standards in the context of improving machinery safety.

Background Farm machinery related injury has been shown to result in high numbers of deaths on farms and high costs to agriculture in Australia. One of the most effective ways of minimising farm machinery accidents is through regulation of machinery design, manufacture, supply and operation. However, existing farm machinery regulation in Australia is seriously deficient in a number of respects, and the Australian Agricultural Health Unit has identified regulatory reform as a high priority.

Research This project both identifies the major deficiencies of the existing legislation and standards, and makes recommendations for a best practice regulatory regime. Its overall aim is to identify a strategy to reduce the very high rates of accident and injury in the agricultural sector, in particular, the substantial proportion that is associated with farm machinery.

Outcomes The Report argues that in many respects the law can make a substantial contribution to improving OHS providing it is appropriately designed, complemented by appropriate education and training, and effectively implemented.

Implications The Report endorses the use of performance standards supported by codes of practice and guidance notes, because of the greater flexibility this approach provides in most circumstances and because a stricter specifications standards approach would be both impractical and inhibit safety innovation. In terms of enforcement, a mixed approach is recommended, with advice and persuasion being the preferred strategy but escalating to the use of administrative notices, on the spot fines and ultimately, prosecution in extreme cases to give credibility to the overall ‘enforcement pyramid’. More specific solutions are identified in relation to child safety, changing technology and remoteness of farms. Beyond all else the virtues of pursuing an optimal policy mix are emphasised. For while education, training and information play crucial roles, so too, should positive incentives, and, in extreme cases, prosecution.

Project Title: Evaluation of farm injury prevention in Victoria 1998-2001

RIRDC Project No: UMO-22A Researcher: Dr Lesley Day Organisation: Monash University Accident Research Centre Phone: (03) 9905 1811 Fax: (03) 9905 1809 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • To compare the impact of differing approaches to farm injury prevention in Victoria and Queensland.

Background Monitoring and evaluation of farm health and safety programs is important for improving health outcomes for farmers, farm workers and their families. This project was undertaken to monitor changes to farm safety practices and behaviour, and injury rates, in Victoria to support state-wide and regional programs. As similar monitoring has also been occurring in Queensland, results were compared between the two

Research Prevention activities were documented by discussion with the key stakeholders, participant observation of Farmsafe meetings, and referral to documents and reports for each state. Random cross-sectional postal surveys of Victorian farmers were conducted in 1998 (1,223 respondents) and 2001 (1,382 respondents). The questionnaire, developed collaboratively with Keith Ferguson (Dept Industrial Relations, QLD), covered work related injury and illness in the previous 12 months, tractor safety features, farm safety training, farm safety practices, hours worked, purchase of farm safety items, child safety and demographic characteristics. Comparisons were made between the two time points in VIC, between the four major commodity groups at the two time points, and between VIC & QLD for 1998. Comparisons were also made between those who had and had not been exposed to various farm safety activities and programs.

Outcomes The key organisations involved in farm safety, and the major farm safety strategies, were similar in both states. The use legislation in QLD to create an environment for change, was somewhat different to VIC where legislation actually required change and was coupled with enforcement. Implementation in VIC has tended to focus on single key issues while in QLD, a broader focus has been taken. There were relatively small improvements in some farm safety factors in VIC over the three year period. These were coupled with 14% reduction in the serious injury rate from 8.5 to 7.3 per 100,000 hours worked. A range of factors were associated with taking at least one safety related action, over the previous 12 months, and with at least average farm safety behaviour performance. Among the four major commodity groups in VIC, the milk cattle group showed statistically significant improvements across the largest number of variables measured. Rates of serious injury per 100,000 hours worked decreased by 5% and 4% for milk and meat cattle respectively, and by 1% for cereal grains. QLD and VIC farms differed on various farm safety factors, each having stronger performance on different factors, some of which could not be explained by the different commodity mix in the two states. The serious work-related injury rate per 100,000 hours worked for all farms was significantly higher in Victoria (8.5) than in Queensland (3.1). This difference was also apparent across the four major commodity groups. Implications A number of methodological issues were identified which require addressing to improve future monitoring of the uptake of farm safety practices and injury rates. Recommendations for farm safety programs in VIC were made, which if implemented, should improve efficiency and effectiveness. Some of these are already being considered by the Victorian WorkCover Authority.

Publications Day, L., and Ferguson, K. (1999). A tale of two states: farm injury prevention in Queensland and Victoria. Paper. Third Biennial National Farm Injury Prevention Conference, Cairns. Day L. and Stathakis V. (June 2002). Evaluation of farm injury prevention in Victoria. Canberra: Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.

Project Title: Preliminary safety tractor access platform evaluation

RIRDC Project No: UMO-29A Researcher: Dr Lesley Day Organisation: Monash University Accident Research Centre Phone: (03) 9905 1811 Fax: (03) 9905 1809 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • To explore the benefits & disbenefits of retro-fitted safe tractor access platforms; To compare the design features of the retro-fitted platforms with access on new tractors

Background Tractor run-over events are a leading cause of adult work-related injury on farms. Farm safety action groups in Victoria have retro-fitted tractors with safe access platforms designed to reduce run-over deaths & serious injury. The groups used guidance material produced by a reputable agency. We undertook an evaluation of this initiative, focussing on the operational and design aspects.

Research Qualitative methods and engineering-based inspections were used to (1) gather information from 10 farmers regarding benefits and disbenefits of fitment and (2) assess the construction and fitment of the platforms. An estimation was made of the percentage reduction in potential damage achieved for each tractor. The average total cost per tractor was derived. Inspections were also conducted for comparison on 7 new tractors.

Outcomes The initial implementation of this initiative was relatively successful. The safety of access had unquestionably been improved. The platforms generally met the design specifications although adherence to two key features relating to the positioning of the outer edge of the bottom step, and guarding of the rear wheel was poor on some of the tractors. The estimated reduction in potential damage ranged from 30-40% to 90-95%. There was little evidence to suggest increased passenger carriage may occur as a result of the retro-fitted platforms. The platforms had little impact on tractor operations, but had a significant impact on ease of access. The average cost to the farmer was between $310 and $446. The retro-fitted tractors performed at about the same level or better than the new tractors on most access features.

Implications This initiative has the potential to significantly reduce tractor run-over deaths and injury, in addition to physical work demand associated with getting on & off tractors. Platform retro-fitment could be considered to be current best practice in the management of tractor run-over risk. Further implementation should include mechanisms to increase adherence to key design features. Recommendations are made regarding promotion, review of currently available non-slip materials, involvement of skilled engineers, critical characteristics of platforms, precautions for passenger carriage, the need to address other aspects of run-over prevention, and safe access on new tractors.

Publications Day L and Rechnitzer G. Evaluation of the safe tractor access platform. Canberra: Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.

Project Title: Preliminary stage of noise injury prevention in the farming community

RIRDC Project No: US-111A Researcher: Mr. Richard Franklin Organisation: The University of Sydney, PO Box 256, MOREE NSW 2400 Phone: 02 6752 8215 Fax: 02 67526 639 Email: [email protected],

Objectives • To move the NSW hearing conservation program from NSW into the rest of Australia through the development of a national strategy. • To gather information about the current noise levels on farms. • To develop resources that enable farmers to better manage their hearing health. • To examine the current hearing status of young farmers.

Background Farmsafe Australia (FSA) has as goal 4, "Reduction in the number of young people on farms (aged 15-24 years) with noise induced hearing loss". In the review of FSA goals and targets the only state that had progressed towards this goal was NSW, having run hearing screenings at major field days and provided noise reduction strategies to 6,000 farmers since the program began. Much of the current information being used for information for farmers is over 25 years old having been carried out in the mid 70’s. Also to progress the noise injury reduction in Australian agriculture, has been hampered due to differences in health infrastructure from state to state.

Research This study undertook to examine noise emissions form different machinery and tools that used in agriculture via collection noise levels from a range of different farm producing different agricultural commodities. There were 48 farms across a range of producer groups, with noise levels recorded at the ear of the operators and any others in close proximity to noisy activities on farm. The average and peak noise levels were recorded for 56 types of machinery / activity sites on farm, totalling 298 separate items/activities. An analysis of information collected from 808 farmers and farm workers aged 15-24 years who had presented at a field day in NSW was examined. A reference group from individual working in agriculture, audiometry, and health and safety were established to produce a strategy for the prevention of noise injury on farms.

Outcomes There were 48 farms across a range of producer groups, with noise levels recorded at the ear of the operators and any others in close proximity to noisy activities on farm. The average and peak noise levels were recorded for 56 types of machinery / activity sites on farm, totalling 298 separate items/activities. A report establishing baseline hearing screening results and exposure information was produced. This report clearly shows that even at young ages, people working on farms are displaying signs of noise injury. A strategy that has been adopted by Farmsafe Australia was produced and is available in an electronic format.

Implications Noise injury is a significant problem in the farming community and if strategies to reduce the exposure to noise are not implemented immediately there will continue to be a significant number of farmers who by age 40 will have problems hearing and in their 50’s will need hearing aid to hear. We are also seeing those working on farms as young as 15 showing signs of noise injury. To combat this problem the farming community needs to establish strategies to restrict noise exposure to all people on farms.

Publications Depczynski J, Franklin RC, Chalinor K, Williams W, Fragar LJ (2002). Farm Noise Hazards: noise emissions during common agricultural activities. ACAHS & RIRDC: Moree Franklin RC, Challinor K, Depczynski J, Fragar LJ (2002). Noise Exposure, Hearing Protection and Noise Injury in Young Adult Farmers. ACAHS & RIRDC: Moree FSA (2002). Noise Injury Prevention Strategy for the Australian Farming Community. Farmsafe Australia: Noise Emission Fact Sheet

Project Title: National farm injury data collection - Australian centre for agricultural health & safety

RIRDC Project No: US-86A Researcher: A/Prof. Lyn Fragar Organisation: The University of Sydney, Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety PO Box 256 MOREE NSW 2400 Phone: (02) 6752 8210 Fax: (02) 6752 6639 Email: [email protected]

Objectives 1. To provide relevant data reports for the national farm health and safety programs: Maintaining data collection standards and definitions for farm health and safety injury and illness Farm machinery safety data reports Commodity specific data for OHS programs State Farmsafe network programs Divisions of General Practice and other related farm worker health and safety programs National injury prevention programs addressing falls Evaluation of programs – adoption and impact on improving health and safety 2. To develop a standardised methodology for costs/benefit studies in farm OHS. 3. To develop and deliver training in farm OHS data collection and evaluation of farm OHS programs.

Background A growing number of agricultural industries and related agencies had taken up the challenge of reducing on-farm injury and illness, reducing workers compensation costs, reducing cost associated with litigation and prosecution, improving injury care and rehabilitation management, coordinated through the Farmsafe Australia partnership. Critical to the development and dissemination of solutions to the agricultural sector, has been the provision of timely and reliable data. This project has built on the previously RIRDC funded Farm Injury Data Centre Project which has been highly successful in providing the underpinning data for development of the priority Farmsafe Australia programs and other programs aimed at reducing farm injury and death. Farm injury surveillance is an emerging specialty discipline within the injury prevention and OHS fields of endeavour. This project was to see the farm injury data reports extend knowledge in the field with revision of the Farm Injury Optimum Data Set and with the development of methodologies for cost/benefit studies in farm OHS, and in delivery of training in farm injury data collection and management to a wider network of agencies.

Research The National Farm Injury Data Centre Manager was maintained by the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety with a key role to supervise the production of reports and outputs defined by the Project. Project personnel worked closely with the national network of data managers – in state work health authorities, with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and the Flinders Injury Studies Centre, with the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, with state Health departments, with individual researchers and others. The National Farm Injury Data Collection was maintained and used to produce reports that underpinned the national farm safety programs. Data sources include deaths data of the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Hospital data, workers compensation derived data, research data and coronial data.

Outcomes The following reports were produced in association with the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation: Fragar LJ, Franklin RC (2000). The health and safety of Australia’s farming community. ACAHS & RIRDC: Moree Fragar L, Franklin R, Coleman R (2000). The farm injury optimal dataset. Version 1.2. ACAHS & RIRDC: Moree 22

Franklin R, Chater AB, Fragar L, Ferguson K (2000). Rural injury in Central Queensland: Injury data from eleven Emergency Departments and nine General Practice surgeries, 1995-1996. ACAHS & RIRDC: Moree Franklin RC, Fragar LJ, Houlahan J, Brown P & Burcham J. (2001) Health and Safety Risks Associated with Cotton Production. Version 1.2. ACAHS & RIRDC: Moree. Franklin R, Mitchell R, Driscoll T, Fragar L (2000). Farm-Related fatalities in Australia, 1989-1992. ACAHS, NOHSC & RIRDC Fragar LJ, Franklin RC, Lower A (2001). Occupational Health and Safety Risk Associated with Sheep and Wool Production in Australia. ACAHS & RIRDC: Moree Franklin RC, Brown P, Fragar LJ, Houlahan JB (2001). Occupational Health and Safety Risk Associated with Horticulture Produce Production. ACAHS & RIRDC: Moree Franklin RC, Fragar LJ, Houlahan J, Brown P, Burcham J (2001). Health and Safety Risks Associated with Cotton Production. Version 1.2. ACAHS &RIRDC: Moree Fragar LJ, Franklin RC, Allen C, Harding W (2001). Occupational Health and Safety Risks Associated with Sugarcane Production. ACAHS & RIRDC: Moree Fragar LJ. Mapping of the National Competency Standards (1998) to the Managing Farm Safety course learning outcomes. February 2001. Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety. Moree Franklin R, Fragar L. The health and safety of Western Australian farmers, farm workers and farm families. National Farm Injury Data Centre, ACAHS and RIRDC. 2002. Moree Hewitt RJ, Franklin RC, Fragar LJ. (2002). Guidelines for undertaking benefit–cost studies in farm health and safety, Manual & Case Study. RIRDC & ACAHS: Moree Franklin RC, Fragar LJ, Houlahan J. Health and safety risks associated with beef cattle production. Moree: Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety with the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation; 2002. (In draft). Franklin R, Fragar L, Thomas P. Falls in agriculture: Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety with the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation 2003. (Draft). Fragar LJ, Thomas P, Houlahan J. Health and safety risks associated with grains production. Moree: Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety with the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation; 2002. (In draft). Fragar LJ, Thomas P, Houlahan J. Health and safety risks associated with dairy production. Moree: Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety with the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation; 2002. (In draft).

Implications An external evaluation of the project and of the National Farm Injury Data Centre of the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety was undertaken by Dr Timothy Driscoll as part of the project that evaluation concluded : “The Review has found that the NFIDC has met nearly all of the objectives set by the Joint Venture, within the constraints placed by the available funding and the available data. Since its inception, the NFIDC has provided the information that has been the basis for virtually all planning and activity at the national level in farm-related occupational health and safety. This information has made a major contribution to government and industry policy and programming leading to activities aimed at minimising the risks and consequences of farm-related injury. The perceived lack of timeliness of data used by the NFIDC has only moderate impact on the suitability of the data for prevention purposes. On-going information from sources such as workers’ compensation and hospital in-patient statistics is of use for on-going surveillance purposes, but work is required to better understand the representativeness and coverage of this information. Support and development of new data sources is also required to increase the coverage and quality of surveillance information relevant to farm injury. The level of involvement of the agriculture industry in guiding the work of the NFIDC, and adopting the OHS products that arise directly and indirectly from the NFIDC activities, is unprecedented in industry in Australia (although mining also has a sophisticated system) and internationally. The NFIDC has significantly enhanced the research efforts of others involved in farm injury prevention through active and passive support of research projects. Through this activity, the NFIDC probably has contributed 23

to the improvement of productivity of Australian agriculture, but the extent of this contribution is not known. The Review identified some new activities which could usefully be undertaken by the NFIDC, or which should be considered for future activity. These include the feasibility of using news clipping as a source of on-going data; the collection of quantitative data on exposure to hazards, and the use of representative sample data.

Publications The following were published in the peer reviewed literature Franklin RC, Fragar LJ, Page AN (2000). The national farm injury data collection: data to inform farm injury prevention programs. Australian Epidemiologist 7(1) 18- 24. Franklin R, Fragar L, Page A (2000) Utilising farm injury data in the development of hazard and risk profiles for farming commodity groups. Readings in Injury Prevention and Control: Proceedings of the Third National Conference on Injury Prevention and Control. 9-12 May 1999 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. University of Queensland. 162-163 Lower T, Fragar L, Temperley J. (2000) Improving health and safety in the Australian sheep industry. J Occup Health Safety – Aust NZ 2000, 16(2):117-125 Fragar L, Page AN, Gray L, Franklin RC (2000) Child safety on farms: a framework for a national strategy in Australia. Readings in Injury Prevention and Control: Proceedings of the Third National Conference on Injury Prevention and Control. 9-12 May 1999 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. University of Queensland. 164-167 Page A, Fragar L (2001). Recall of Farm Hazards in Australian Primary School Age Children Using A 3-D Visual Cue Test. Australian Journal of Rural Health 9(5): 216-221 Franklin RC, Mitchell RJ, Driscoll TR, Fragar LJ (2001a). Agricultural Work– Related Fatalities in Australia, 1989–1992. Journal of Agricultural Health and Safety. 7(4):213-227 Franklin RC, Mitchel RJ, Driscol TR, Fragar LJ (2001b). Non–Work–Related Farm Fatalities in Australia, 1989–1992. Journal of Agricultural Health and Safety. 7(4):229-239 Mitchell RJ, Franklin RC, Driscoll TR, Fragar LJ (2001). Farm-related fatalities involving children in Australia, 1989-1992. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 25: 155-166 Fragar L (2001). The health of the people in agriculture and its interdependence with the health of rural communities. NSW Public Health Bulletin 12 (6): 155-159 Page AN, Fragar LJ. Suicide in Australian Farming, 1988-1997. ANZ J Psychiatry 2002;36: Fragar L, Houlahan JB. Injury Prevention approaches in Australian agriculture. NSW Public Health Bulletin. 2002; Jun Mitchell RJ, Franklin RC, Driscoll TR, Fragar LJ. Farm-related fatal injury of young and older adults in Australia, 1989-1992. Aust J Rural Health 2002; 10, 209-219 Franklin R, Crosby J. Farm Related Injury in NSW: Information for Prevention. NSW Public Health Bulletin 2002, 13, 5. Fraser J, Alexander C, Simpkins B, Temperley J. Health Career Promotion in the New England Area of New South Wales: A Program to Support High School Career Advisers. Aust J Rural Health. In Press.

Project Title: National farm machinery safety program - Australian Centre for Agricultural Health & Safety

RIRDC Project No: US-87A Researcher: A/Prof. Lyn Fragar Organisation: The University of Sydney, Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety PO Box 256 MOREE NSW 2400 Phone: (02) 6752 8210 Fax: (02) 6752 6639 Email: [email protected]

Objectives Implementation of the Farmsafe Australia National Farm Machinery Strategy, and specifically: 1. Establishment of the national framework for action through maintenance of the National Farm Machinery Safety Reference Group to oversee the program 2. Identification of farm machinery safety priorities for action (with the National Farm Injury Data Centre Project) 3. Recommendations for safe working practice, safer machine design, modifications of current standards, further research action for 4 key problems, being • Tractor run-overs • Grain augers • Post-hole diggers • PTO shaft guards 4. Development of education and training resources for farm machinery safety 5. A review of relevant national, state and territory legislation/regulations/standards and their implementation (To be undertaken by the Farm Machinery Safety Regulatory Review Project) 6. A media and promotion strategy aimed at ensuring participation of all stakeholders

Background Each year 36 deaths occur as a result of farm machinery injury, and more than 500 people are admitted to hospital for severe injury. The annual fatality rate for farm machinery operators is 241/100000 persons. It is estimated that farm machinery injury represents more than half of the $.5b-$1.2b estimated cost of occupational injury and illness in Australian agriculture per annum. Farmsafe Australia had established the National Farm Machinery Safety Reference Group (NFMS Reference Group) with representation from across the rural industry to address this problem. The NFMS Reference Group is comprised of representatives from industry, occupational health and safety, injury research centres, producers and manufacturers. A necessary first step was to define the key farm machinery hazards and risk factors to be addressed by designers, manufacturers, trainers, suppliers, farm managers and operators. This process has begun through the efforts of Farmsafe Australia and the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety that provided 6 months Research Officer time to Farmsafe Australia to prepare an Issues Paper and to develop its strategic approach. It was agreed that a program that addressed a selected small group of key machinery injury hazards be initiated as part of a wider approach to reducing machinery injury.

Research Progress in implementation of the National Farm Machinery Strategy was made in the following areas: 1. Establish a national framework for action The NFM Reference Group endorsed the National Strategy and a program of work was undertaken. The Reference Group will meet to consider key recommendations in August 2003. 2. Define the farm machinery injuries problem and identify priorities for action; The National Farm Machinery Reference Group met and auspiced a program of research that has reported on the following:

Injury associated with posthole diggers Injury associated with tractor runover Injury associated with grain augers Materials used for PTO shaft guards 3. Strategies to address selected key problems; The reduction of tractor rollover deaths in Australia has been significantly advanced in Victoria and NSW through industry and government programs aimed at retrofitment of ROPS to tractors, and a mix of subsidy for retrofitment, and enforcement of legislation requiring ROPS. Other strategies that have been recommended include development of guidelines for safe operation, training and recommendations for improved safety design of machinery and equipment in use on Australian farms.. Strategies for promotion of machinery safety have to be developed. 4. Education and Training; Machinery safety is included in the Managing Farm Safety training programs of Farmsafe Australia 5. Standards and legislation A paper was produced by Neil Gunningham that reviewed farm machinery safety regulatory arrangements across Australia with input by the FMS Reference Group. The Reference Group will consider its response to specific recommendations aimed at improving the contribution that regulation can make on safe operation of farm machinery. 6. Research; Studies relating to posthole diggers, tractor runover, augers and PTO guard materials were undertaken by the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety at Moree and the University of Queensland at Gatton. In addition, a research program of the Monash University Accident Research Centre has been incorporated into the national program.

Outcomes Reports are in process of being considered by the NFM Reference Group, and recommendations that relate to draft Guidance Notes, improved design and training requirements will be promulgated. Recommendations for further research will be made to RIRDC and the Joint Venture

Implications Work to date has confirmed farm plant and machinery (mobile and fixed) as key hazards associated with injury and death in Australia. The project has progressed the issue to the degree that 4 specific hazards have been examined and the National Farm Machinery Reference Group can proceed with a better informed strategic approach to its program of work in reducing machinery injury on Australia farms.

Publications Draft reports are available, and will be published following consideration by the National Farm Machinery Reference Group: Miller J, Fragar L, Franklin R. Accidents involving posthole diggers. Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety and Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. 2003. Athanasiov A, Gupta ML, Fragar LJ. An Analysis of Grain Auger-related Injuries in Queensland. (Submitted) 2003 Miller J, Fragar L, Franklin R. Tractor runover injury in Australia. Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety and Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. 2003.

Project Title: Rural health and safety intervention for the Agricultural sector in the South West of WA

RIRDC Project No: WAC-2A Researcher: Dr. Samar Aoun and Ms Anne Jennings Organisation: WA Centre for Rural Health and Community Development Inc. PO Box 2016 BUNBURY WA 6231 Phone: (08) 9791 9488 Fax: (08) 9791 3333 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • Raising awareness of agricultural community of farm safety issues through an educational program • Assessing risk profiles and specific hazards • Recommending effective education, training and support strategies to develop the skills necessary for adoption of best practices in farm health and safety.

Background Despite significant statistics on fatality and non-fatal injury rates, there is a low adoption of farm safety practices and farm safety remains a low or low-to-medium priority for most farmers. Previous reports have highlighted the need for studies that more directly investigate factors that impact on farmers’ uptake of safety initiatives, and in particular measures that increase the proportion of farmers who take advantage of programs such as Managing Farm Safety (MFS). It is in this context that a safety promotion initiative has been proposed in the South West of Western Australia (2001-2002).

Research The project was conducted in two stages: a feasibility study and a postal survey. The first study tested the feasibility of conducting a brief educational session in the workplace or the meeting place of service clubs and farmers’ organisations and helped to refine the data collection tool. Lack of interest in these presentations, low response rates and lack of trainers warranted a change of methodology to a postal survey that involved peak organisations rather than small local service clubs. The postal survey consisted of farmers completing information on the nature and extent of injury on their farms in the past year and an assessment of their training needs in safety practices.

Outcomes Eight peak organisations agreed to participate and a total of 306 farmers/growers participated in the two stages of the study. The extent of susceptibility to injury, 26 to 40 major injuries per 100 farms per year, confirmed the need for such safety promotion programs to increase the proportion of farmers who take advantage of safety courses. Sixty percent of injured farmers stopped work with an average of seven days of lost productivity, 63% being treated by a doctor and 12% requiring a short stay at the hospital. Ninety percent of injured were male with a median age of 40 years. The lack of awareness of the role, functions and courses of Farmsafe WA (7% were very aware of the course) and the confusion of the organisation with Worksafe WA undermined the success of the brief educational presentations. Worksafe WA is seen as a disciplinary organisation and only 17% of farmers were very aware of the difference between the two organisations. The low levels of awareness were coupled with low levels of motivation to seek further information on the Managing Farm Safety course, with members of all eight participating peak organisations exhibiting similar low levels of awareness and motivation. There was a general feeling of resentment that farmers were swamped with courses often useless and by an influx of new invasive regulations, which have not proved to be a good match to the highly valued ‘common sense’.

Implications The study highlighted many barriers that impacted on farmers’ uptake of safety initiatives and therefore lost opportunities to progress the adoption of safe practices in the South West of WA. It indicated that over three-quarters of farmers were still at the pre- contemplation stage, with no intention to initiate changes or attend the course and only 10% were highly motivated. Drawing on the experience of initiatives focused on men in 27

the health field, the course probably needs to be redesigned to appeal to men’s learning style which is more skill-based, more topic-focused and one that requires delivering ‘soon and certain’ outcomes. The prevailing alliance between Farmsafe WA and two of the participating organisations in this study has not been reflected in better levels of awareness or motivation compared to the non-allied organisations, suggesting the need for more effective alliance at the grassroots level rather than at the bureaucratic level and more inclusive of all peak organisations.

Publications An article has been submitted to the Journal of Rural Society for consideration for publication.

Leadership

Project Title: Heywire IV - The ABC gives regional youth a voice

RIRDC Project No: ABB-4A Researcher: Ms. Justine McSweeney Organisation: Heywire Co-ordinator ABC Radio GPO Box 9994 Melbourne VIC 3001 Phone: 03 9626 1861/0419 166 749 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • To give regional/rural youth an opportunity to directly express their views and aspirations to the country at large on ABC Radio; to raise awareness, in both city and country areas, of issues facing youth in regional and rural Australia with a view to encouraging positive change; to provide a unique personal development and issues-based training opportunity for young community leaders within regional and rural Australia; to communicate the issues and activities of Heywire to all youth around Australia vie the Heywire website.

Background As part of the ABC’s commitment to regional and rural Australia, Heywire was developed to hear directly from young people about their concerns, issues, hopes and experience of living and working in regional and rural Australia. Since its inception Heywire has increased in recognition as a key resource for learning about and addressing the issues affecting rural and regional youth. The project has attracted the views of more than 1,400 hundred young people since it began. The reach of Heywire in 2001-02 has been the broadest of the four years of Heywire and the response to it the most enthusiastic with almost 600 young people putting forward their views. Heywire has now received applications from over 1,400 young people from rural, regional and remote areas around Australia, with more than 140 of them being selected as winners. The interest and awareness in Heywire continues to increase each year. Within the ABC itself Heywire stories and the related issues featured on a growing number of programs. As well as regional Local Radio stations and Triple J, Heywire stories are heard on all ABC metropolitan stations, on Radio National (particularly ‘Life Matters’ and ‘Bush Telegraph’) and on Radio Australia.

Research Heywire makes contact with young people in regional and rural Australian via a vast distribution of printed material to all secondary schools, universities, TAFE’s and tertiary institutions in regional areas; to youth groups and peak organisations; to industry organisations and some companies. The electronic media is used to connect to a diverse network of youth-related organisations and interests. Contact is also made via promotions on ABC Local Radio and on Triple J. Information is also disseminated via the Heywire web site. Past Heywire winners enthusiastically promote Heywire within their schools and communities. Young people are invited to submit their story about what life is like for them. The guidelines for entries are few other than that the story is to be non-fiction, up to 400 words in length and be engaging for radio. They can write about any aspect of life as they know it in regional, rural and remote Australia. The winning entry in each of over 40 ABC regions is produced by the ABC for broadcast on ABC radio and published online. The Heywire winners are all invited to attend the Heywire Youth Issues Forum in Canberra where they undertake a training program in personal development and youth issues leadership.

Outcomes Heywire received 570 entries from young people from around Australia. The issues presented in the winning stories involved: the value of rural life; carrying on the family farm; the daily bus trip; life can be boring in a country town; love of rural life; disillusionment about what the world offers youth; concern for the environment; road 29

trauma through combining poor roads & inexperience; being caught between two cultures; passion for sport; reluctantly living away from home; living with disabilities with optimism; whether or not to stay on the land; choosing country life; personal identity; we are a global community; making the most of things wherever you are; enjoyment of taking part in local theatre; the importance of the debutante ball; love of and concern for the river Murray; importance of football in the community; feeling an outsider in the country; country home and city school - the best of both worlds. The winning stories were played extensively during December, January and February on 4 ABC Radio networks – Local Radio, Radio National, Triple J, Radio Australia as well as on community radio. All stories are published on the Heywire website. 36 regional winners attended the Youth Issues Forum in Canberra.

Implications Heywire continues to provide a unique opportunity for youth to raise the issues that matter for them and in their own words. Heywire has now become established as being a respected focus social issues program within the Australia media for the concerns of regional and rural youth. There are now 160 previous Heywire winners who are ambassadors for young people having a say about what’s important and getting involved.

Project Title: Nuffield Farming Scholarship Review Implementation Project

RIRDC Project No: ANF-1A Researcher: C. H. Perkins Organisation: Australian Nuffield Farming Scholars Association Phone: 02 6964 6600 Fax: 02 6964 1605 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • A “new” Nuffield farming scholarship programme with a much larger number of enhanced scholarships; better targeted to the needs of rural R&D corporations and agribusiness stakeholders; focussed on enhancing the management capacity of Australian farmers (including financial, technological, entrepreneurial and marketing skills) and on building and management of an effective social and business networks.

Background The Nuffield farming scholarship has a long history, beginning immediately after the second world war. It has evolved as a major force in building human capital amongst Australian farmers, especially farm leaders. By 1997, however, members of the Association began to suspect that with a rapidly changing operating environment, the scheme could be materially enhanced and modernised, as a mean of increasing its contribution to the rural community. A comprehensive review was commissioned. It was undertaken by Dr Geoff Miller AO and Mr Neil Inall. The Association has adopted most of the recommendations and begun implementing them through the Review Implementation Project. The application was for financial assistance to build the new programme to a point where it will be financially self-supporting.

Research No research conducted.

Outcomes The development of a new Nuffield programme including a complete review of “core study tours” and the development of a “public fund” to provide a secure based for future operations.

Implications This project has provided the means to allow the Australian Nuffield Farming Scholars Association to develop from a small group of privileged winners to proving a greater opportunity and developing a much broader network of leading farmers in Australia. Within the life of this project the number of scholars has increased 25% and this exponential growth will now continue. It is essential that all Australian agricultural industries develop young people to be experienced and aware of the global forces acting on Australian agriculture and to be able to think broadly about these issues and find solutions be they technological or in policy. As a direct result of this project many young farmers have been able to experience and join the Nuffield global network and this will result in these people growing personally and undertaking increasingly responsible positions within companies and industry bodies.

Research in Progress Information and Communication Systems

Project Title Case studies of the emergence of E-work in rural Australia

RIRDC Project No: ECU-11A Start Date: 15-Aug-2001 Finish Date: 21-Oct-2003 Researcher: Dr Peter Standen Organisation: Edith Cowan University School of Management Pearson Street CHURCHLANDS WA 6018 Phone: (08) 9273 8335 Fax: (08) 9273 8754 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • To investigate the factors that encourages firms to use new information and communication technologies to employ workers or subcontract suppliers of 'information work' in rural areas. To identify the consequences of this new form of work for workers and their communities. To disseminate the findings through a report to RIRDC.

Current Progress The research has been completed. All case studies have been conducted and the results analysed. We have conducted an extensive literature survey, and analysed a number of secondary case studies. In addition we have interviewed a number of officials of regional development authorities at state and local government levels.

The results have been presented at a workshop in Canberra, and at several international conferences where we have discussed them with experts from other countries. We have completed approximately 90% of final report and are now finalising it for submission to RIRDC next month.

Project Title Effective use of the Internet to help retain professionals employed in rural Australia

RIRDC Project No: ECU-14A Start Date: 9-Jan-02 Finish Date: 30-Apr-04 Researcher: Dr. Anthony Herrington Organisation: Edith Cowan University Community Services, Education and Social Sciences JOONDALUP WA 6027 Phone: 08 9400 5571 Fax: 08 9400 5615 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • This project will identify effective ways in which the Internet can be used to overcome the isolation of professionals employed in rural Australia. Professionals employed in rural locations will be surveyed and interviewed with regard to their needs, awareness, use and benefits of the Internet for professional development and support. Guidelines will be produced to document strategies for the design and delivery of effective use of the Internet to support and assist professionals in rural areas of Australia.

Current Progress The research is progressing to plan with a great deal of progress made in the examination of the extent of professional development support provided, via the internet, to professionals working in rural and remote areas. Internet web sites that offer support for education and health sector professionals in rural communities in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United Kingdom and the United States of America have been identified, described and classified. Similarly, literature searches have been completed to identify articles describing the use of the internet relevant to this study. A review of this literature and websites is continuing. Regular meetings are held with the Chief Investigators and Research Assistant to monitor progress.

A draft questionnaire has been developed to survey education and health sector professionals employed in rural communities and is currently being circulated to key sector personnel for advice and permission for use. Relevant professional bodies are also being contacted to obtain their support in obtaining a high return rate for the survey. Ethics clearance is currently being sought from Edith Cowan University Ethics Committee.

Project Title Internet and E-commerce Guide Updates

RIRDC Project No: RJP-4A Start Date: 1-May-02 Finish Date: 30-June-03 Researcher: Mr. Robert J Parker 27 Collingwood St Organisation: Paddington Brisbane QLD 4064 Phone: 0407 021 336 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • To expand the existing Australian Farmers’ Guide to the Internet web site to accommodate the soon to be released Rural and Regional Guide to E-commerce publication. The site will be re-arranged as necessary to facilitate the promotion of both publications through the one web site and allow easy access to the reviews of web resources for each publication.

Current Progress The Rural and Regional Guide to E-commerce was released in June of 2002 and the re-vamped and expanded Farmers Guide web site was brought online at the same time to capitalise on the launch of the hardcopy publication.

The original Australian Farmers’ Guide to the Internet web site has been split into two sections so that visitors accessing the original web address now have the choice of visiting The Australian Farmers’ Guide to the Internet web site or The Rural and Regional Guide to E-commerce web site.

The web sites reviewed within The Australian Farmers’ Guide to the Internet site continue to be re-assessed, and re-written as necessary to accurately reflect each sites content. New web reviews are also being added to the site regularly, while web sites that are no longer active or relevant are removed from the site.

The web site reviews from the hardcopy publication of The Rural and Regional Guide to E-commerce were incorporated into the new web site from the outset of the project, and have since been complemented by the inclusion of many additional web site reviews.

The net result of the above activity is the steady expansion of the number of web resources listed and reviewed for the benefit of Australia’s agricultural sector and regional and rural small to medium enterprises.

The new site structure continues to encourage site visitors to recommend sites for inclusion in the site, and links to the RIRDC online shopping service where both these and other RIRDC publications can be purchased online.

Extension, Education and Training

Project Title Virtual Field Day for improved decision making

RIRDC Project No: BCG-1A Start Date: 21-Jun-02 Finish Date: 30-Apr-05 Researcher: Dr. Harm van Rees Organisation: Birchip Cropping Group RSD 69 Rooney Road STRATHFIELDSAYE VIC 3551 Phone: 03 5439 3089 Fax: 03 5439 3169 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • The VFD system will allow the distribution of information on cropping trials to farmers via the internet or CD. It is intended to supplement the paper publication of information and the annual field day where crop trials can be examined. The information will be displayed though Graphical User Interface (GUI) and will include video, images and text regarding the developmental stages and up-to-date maintenance needs of the crop.

Current Progress The VFD software is now operational and is being tested in house. This season it will be loaded on to BCG member computers in CD format to improve access of large audio-visual files.

Due to the project not commencing until June 2002 (5 months behind originally anticipated) and issues with the original software requiring further development, it is now due for operational status in 2003. BCG representatives have met with software developers to finalise this stage. Contributing to addressing the internet access, has been the site hosting of the BCG website – which is in the process of being transferred to another website host and revamping of the overall website to accommodate the VFD.

Restricted user access of internet site for VFD trials has commenced in trial capacity. Open user access of internet site for VFD trials will commence in 2003 and increase throughout the year.

Trials information is being loaded onto the VFD site. Crop growth, agronomic issues and climate data is being collated and loaded onto the site.

Rural Communities and Social Issues

Project Title Profiling Australia 's rural population and industries

RIRDC Project No: BRR-6A Start Date: 9-Jan-01 Finish Date: 30-Aug-03 Researcher: Dr. Allan Curtis Organisation: Bureau of Rural Sciences GPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601 Phone: (02) 6272 3933 Fax: (02) 6272 5161

Objectives • To have policy makers and program planners gain a stronger understanding of social conditions and trends and how they impact on a wide range of natural resource management and rural and regional industry and community policies and programs • by delivering a number of products that allow user-friendly access to comprehensive and geographically referenced data and information on population and rural industry trends in rural and regional AustraliaProject deliverables include a CD-ROM and Web based version of a rural industries and communities 'Social Atlas'; Industry and community profile summaries; and two technical reports on rural ageing and the viability of small country towns. A camera-ready hard copy social atlas will be provided by the Principal Investigator and will be published by RIRDC.

Current Progress Dr Allan Curtis has replaced Dr Gerald Haberkorn as the principal project researcher. Project completion was extended from August to October 30, 2003 by agreement with Dr Roslyn Prinsley.

A draft of the Country matters-social atlas of rural and regional Australia, 2001 was reviewed by the ABS and RIRDC. A copy of the final draft will agreed upon by ABS and RIRDC in early August and any comments incorporated. An October launch is expected pending ministerial and stakeholder availability.

A technical paper on Ageing in Rural and Regional Australia has been completed. The paper examines the spatial dimensions of population ageing in Australia. The paper identifies regional variations in ageing, reviews important attributes of older Australians and reflects on the implications of trends in ageing for rural and regional Australia.

A technical report (Small towns: population trends 1991-2001) was also completed which examined small town population growth and decline across Australia, including a regional study of the Murrumbidgee Catchment in NSW.

Industry profiles are currently being undertaken to provide a social profile of decision makers within the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, sector and within the Dairy industry specifically. Variables covered will include aspects of population, age, education, income, off-property work, family structure, and mobility. These technical reports are due for completion by October 30.

Project Title OPTIONS SERIES: Techniques for the growth of the family farm business

RIRDC Project No: UM-48A Start Date: 15/08/00 Finish Date: 30/08/03 Researcher: Mr. Geoffrey Tually Organisation: The University of Melbourne Dookie College. Dookie VIC 3647. Phone: 03 5833 9283 Fax: 03 5833 9201 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • To provide farm families in Australia with an alternative to the traditional perspective of handing on the family farm. • To develop methods/techniques of using legal ownership structures to maintain the farm family business integrity from one generation to the next and how this can be used as a vehicle for growth of the farm family business. The developed methods/techniques will take into consideration the effects of current and proposed changes to the taxation legislation.

Current Progress Project in final write up stage. 2 significant aspects are of interest;

1. GAP between ‘Peer review’ and ‘farm family review’. Required, as a component of the project, a short paper, suitable for publication in a Farmers Options Manual, to be developed. This paper (13 pages) was developed with assistance of a number of farm family members, as to content and presentation. When this paper was presented, December, 2001 and ‘Peer Reviewed’, it was deemed UNEXCEPTABLE for publication, May 2002. Following negative peer review, the paper, along with a 3 page questionnaire (20 questions), was forwarded by mail to another group of 53 farm families for their evaluation. Response rate 56.57%. Top mean rating for a question on Ownership Structures, using a 7 point scale was 6.7. Comment: “Get this information out on to the kitchen table as quickly as possible, it will help so many people”.

2. Rural Adjustment issue. 17 case studies were reviewed of which 2 were successful transfers of the farm to the next generation. All remaining cases exhibited minor to major problems associated with family farm transfer to the next generation, including turning viable family farms into non-viable family farms ‘overnight’, creating rural adjustment problems, including farm family disharmony.

Farm Health and Safety

Project Title Reducing all-terrain vehicle injury

RIRDC Project No: CUT-7A Start Date: 1-Jan-01 Finish Date: 30-Nov-03 Researcher: Dr. Tony Lower Organisation: Curtin University of Technology CUCRH PO Box 109 GERALDTON WA 6531 Phone: 08 9359 4118 Fax: 08 9359 4118 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • To identify the efficacy of ATV training to reduce injury prevalence and severity in a high risk group.

Current Progress In March 2001 an existing validated instrument (pre-intervention survey) covering a range of issues relating to ATV use and self-reported injury, was assessed for test-retest reliability.

Following verification of the reliability, the questionnaire was distributed to six Western Australian Agricultural colleges (n=440) with response from 330 (73%) of participants).

The colleges were then grouped into one of two categories matched on gender, agricultural activities, and the number of students that have access to an ATV on the family property (this was clarified by the questionnaire).

A representative from each of the six Agricultural Colleges was trained by Honda Australia rider Training and was accredited in the delivery of an ATV course.

Subjects in the intervention group (Group A) received competency based ATV rider training in June 2000. The control group (Group B) received the standard curriculum that involved no attention to the issue of ATV safety.

In June 2001 a post intervention survey replicating the initial pre-intervention survey was completed.

June 2002 another post-intervention survey replicating the initial pre and post- intervention surveys was conducted.

The results from the follow-up surveys are currently being analysed using chi- squares to identify variations in self-reported injuries between group A and B, with multiple logistic regression being used to identify predictors of injury. A cost benefit analysis of the introduction of the training in respect to injury outcomes will also be completed.

Project Title Organophosphate exposure in agricultural workers: human exposure and risk assessment.

RIRDC Project No: QUT-5A Start Date: 7-Jan-02 Finish Date: 30-Nov-04 Researcher: A/Prof. Michael Capra Organisation: School of Health Sciences University of Newcastle University Drive Callaghan NSW 2308 Phone: 02 4921 6313 Fax: 02 4921 7479 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • To improve farmers ability to monitor and asses their exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides by examining the usability of urine metabolite testing as a risk assessment tool for agricultural workers. • To develop and pilot risk assessment guidelines for organophosphate exposed agricultural workers based on urinary metabolite analysis. • To provide information of use to rural doctors for the correlation of symptomology and biological monitoring results by investigating correlations between urine metabolite levels and OP related symptoms and other health effects.

Current Progress A pilot study involving 11 farmers was completed by the end of 2002. The selection of farmers for the pilot study and the main study was achieved with the full cooperation of the Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers (QFVG). The pilot study aimed to test the reliability and validity of the structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The collection of data from the main study began early in 2003 with 25 farmers already completing the interviewer- administered questionnaire and 12 farmers providing urine samples for analysis of organophosphate metabolite concentration. The participants have been fruit and vegetable growers drawn from the Southeast farming areas of Queensland including: Gatton, Toowoomba, Laidley, Lowood, Tamborine Mountains and the Redlands. The second phase of the project involving organophosphate pesticide formulators is awaiting approval from the companies involved, but data collection should commence after July this year. Data collection will be continuing throughout this year. The project has strong industry and government support from the QFVG, the Queensland Division of Workplace Health and Safety and Workcover NSW.

Scholarships

Project Title RIRDC Research Fellow at the Australian Centre for Intellectual Property in Agriculture (ACIPA)

RIRDC Project No: UG-5A Start Date: 7-Jan-02 Finish Date: 30-Jun-05 Researcher: Prof. Brad Sherman Organisation: Griffith University Director Australian Centre for Intellectual Property in Agriculture Law Faculty NATHAN QLD 4111 Phone: 07 3875 5449 Fax: 07 3875 5599 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • Consultation and advice on intellectual property related matters from ACIPA staff, as and when required • Formal Annual Updates on intellectual property developments delivered to RIRDC Board and to senior RIRDC Staff • Updates and reports on important legal and regulatory decisions on intellectual property and their impact on RIRDC as they arise • Availability of Research Fellow and/or other ACIPA staff to attend RIRDC Board meetings where appropriate • Ongoing point of contact for RIRDC Managers and staff for direction on specific intellectual property issues as they arise • Development of full set of Guidelines on Commercialisation and IP Management at the end of year one, followed by annual updates to this document as needed • Ongoing monitoring of impact and effectiveness of RIRDC Commercialisation and IP policy (Policy Document to be completed at end of year one) • Provision of Training Programs for Research Managers and other senior RIRDC staff (2 training programs in year one, followed by annual updating session), including the development and provision of Training Materials • Guaranteed places at all conferences and seminars organised and delivered by ACIPA for RIRDC senior staff or nominees, free of charge

Current Progress RIRDC Research Fellow Michael Handler joined ACIPA in January 2003. Michael is the ongoing point of contact for RIRDC staff on intellectual property related matters. Michael, with other ACIPA staff, has provided advice as requested to General Managers of Research on IP issues affecting various research projects and outcomes, in doing so monitoring the effectiveness of RIRDC’s Commercialisation and IP Policy. Michael has also jointly established and is currently running a series of five monthly training seminars in Canberra on IP issues affecting RDCs, and has co- authored the training materials distributed to the participants. These seminars are free for RIRDC staff, as are ACIPA’s annual conferences. Michael also attended the first RIRDC Board Subcommittee on IP and Commercialisation and will provide advice to the Subcommittee as requested. More generally, ACIPA has developed RIRDC’s Guidelines on Commercialisation and IP Management, which will be reviewed as needed. ACIPA and RIRDC have agreed to investigate ACIPA providing further specific and intensive training for senior RIRDC staff, including participating in the 2003 RIRDC staff workshop, and that ACIPA will provide RIRDC with information and advice on legal and policy developments relating to IP and their impact on RIRDC, as and when such developments arise.

Capacity Building for Innovation in Rural Industries – Cooperative Venture

Project Title Participative evaluation of learning and impacts from “farmer-driven RDE”

RIRDC Project No: CSW-37A Start Date: 7-Jan-02 Finish Date: 30-Nov-05 Researcher: Dr. Peter Carberry Organisation: CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems Agricultural Production Systems Research Unit 203 Tor Street TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350 Phone: (07) 4688 1377 Fax: (07) 4688 1193 Email: [email protected]

Objectives Together with influential, proactive farmer groups, this project will enhance the design, implementation and evaluation of “farmer-driven RDE” in Australia through: 1. formation of recommended actions to improve processes, learnings and impacts through review of past, current and planned RDE activities of collaborating farmer groups; and 2. active involvement of researchers alongside farmer and adviser members of collaborating groups in designing, implementing and evaluating RDE case studies which have adopted recommendations from 1.

Current Progress This project has only just commenced. It was proposed by APSRU in collaboration with members of two proactive farmer groups in the grains industry – the Birchip Cropping Group (www.bcg.org.au) in southern Australia and Conservation Farmers Inc (www.cfi.org.au) in northern Australia. These two groups have agreed to participate in the project and are collaborating with APSRU in designing and implementing trials during the 2003 winter season. Trials include characterisation of soil properties in the Victorian Mallee (BCG) and deep sowing wheat and chickpea in northern NSW (CFI).

In addition to the two dryland farming groups, the project is establishing collaborative investigation into farmer-participatory research in the sugar and viticulture industries. In the sugar industry, links have been established with Geoff Inman-Bamber (CSE) who has agreed to provide conduit to sugar industry groups. Geoff has invited APSRU participation in a new SRDC-funded project “Moving from case studies to whole of industry: implementing methods for wider industry adoption” (starting in July 2003). The SRDC project will work in different sugar production regions, with work in the Bundaberg region likely to be the focus for cross-project collaboration. Specific project activities will be planned after July 2003.

A number of contacts have been made with stakeholders in the viticulture industry but, as yet, specific project collaboration has not been established. Industry consultation is currently underway with selection of a participating group to be achieved by July 2003.

Project Title Targeting 'pragmatist' farmers in transfer of simulation- based decision support

RIRDC Project No.: CSW-38A Start Date: 7-Jan-02 Finish Date: 30-Nov-05 Researcher: Dr. Lisa Brennan Organisation: CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems Queensland Bioscience Precinct 306 Carmody Road St Lucia, QLD, 4067 Phone: 07 3214 2373 Fax: 07 3214 2308 Email: [email protected]

Objectives This project will: • demonstrate a way to effectively implement powerful computer-mediated decision support for risk management in dryland farming among a sufficient segment of the farming community to enable a viable commercial agribusiness service. • contribute within an existing network of consultants and farmers in which the FARMSCAPE approach to decision support is being implemented in the Northern Cropping Region by intervening to create reference groups of satisfied adopters among the 'pragmatist' category of farmers who are crucial to the diffusion process required for viable market volume. • provide new knowledge about "market segments" in the farming community crucial to avoiding marketing failures in adoption of "discontinous" technologies.

Current Progress Progress to date has mainly involved negotiating suitable case studies which involve the use of computer simulation technology by farmers in ways designed to aid risk management on farms. In the Birchip Cropping Group case study, based in Victoria, we are focusing on farmers’ adoption preferences in relation to a service provides information on the seasonal outlook for grain crops based on the results of a crop simulation model. In another case study we have linked to a group of client farmers of FARMSCAPE-accredited consulting firm Wesfarmers-Landmark, Darling Downs, Queensland, in order to assist the agribusiness sector achieve widespread impact with crop-production simulation technology. A case study in the sugar industry where a crop simulation model will be used to aid farmers’ irrigation management decisions has been negotiated. A fourth case study in the livestock industry will also be added shortly. Through farmer interviews, evaluation of adoption behaviour of participating farmers within each case study has commenced. The data collected through these interviews describes management practices of participating farmers, history of technology adoption, and attitudes concerning information technology and management of climate, market and environmental risks. These ‘baseline’ data provide a benchmark against which changes in farmers’ technology adoption preferences resulting from the proposed project activities can be compared.

Project Title Improving delivery mechanisms for sustainable land management in the small farm sector

RIRDC Project No: DAV-201A Start Date: 8-Jan-02 Finish Date: 30-Aug-05 Researcher: Ms. Carol Hollier Organisation: Department of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic) RMB 1145 Chiltern Valley Road RUTHERGLEN VIC 3685 Phone: (02) 6030 4500 Fax: (02) 6030 4600 Email: [email protected]

Objectives The long -term outcome of this project will be an increase in sustainable land management on small rural properties through greater landholder participation in appropriate natural resource management extension programs. This will be achieved as a result of improved understanding of the needs of the small farm sector and the identification of best practices in extension and training. Development of strategies to engage the small and lifestyle farm sector and the professional development of rural service providers (advisors and trainers) will assist in building regional capacity. This will enable small property owners to confidently respond to the challenges and opportunities associated with natural resource management and land ownership. The project will deliver: • A new model for innovative education and knowledge exchange programs for small property owners. • Improved delivery mechanisms, network and training resources to increase participation of small property owners in natural resource extension programs. • New strategies to engage small land managers and enhance the professional development of rural service providers. • Improved understanding of the drivers of change in the small farm sector for land stewardship.

Current Progress A qualitative research framework has been developed including the identification of key informants based on a case study approach in the pilot region of North East Victoria. The research will be expanded into the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales in July 2003. Research methods include focus groups, workshops, surveys and semi-structured interviews. In the north east pilot region a series of focus and discussion groups have been held with: • Small and lifestyle landholders • Private consultants • Government extension agents • Landcare Network Co-ordinators • Local government land planners A questionnaire survey has been conducted as part of a specialised small farm field day in the Seymour region to explore characteristics of the sector, their interests and views with regard to natural resource management. Fifteen small and lifestyle farmers have taken part in a pilot interviews to further develop and revise research questions to investigate the attributes and values of the sector to natural resource. More than 40 Government agency staff currently delivering industry development extension and environmental programs participated in a workshop to explore attitudes to the small and lifestyle farm sector and new approaches to engage the sector in June 2003.

Project Title Capacity building cooperative venture coordination

RIRDC Project No: JMA-1A Start Date: 7-Jan-02 Finish Date: 30-Jun-03 Researcher: Mr. John McKenzie Organisation: John McKenzie & Associates Pty Ltd 20 Quarry Farm Road FOREST REEFS NSW 2798 Phone: (02) 6366 5400 Fax: (02) 6366 5142 Email: [email protected]

Objectives The mission of the Cooperative Venture is to enhance the capacity of Cooperative Venture participants and other institutions to effect change through cooperation and joint resourcing to: • facilitate R&D in key areas identified by the Cooperative Venture • deliver learning methods and processes to Cooperative Venture partners and other stakeholders • provide a forum for stakeholders to learn from and help each other • promote the benefits of human capacity development in managing change.

Current Progress Four key result areas have been identified where investment in capacity building will be most effective.

Key Result Area 1 – “What works and Why” The objective of this key result area is to identify current ‘best practices’ in extension/education and training to assist in the design and delivery of learning. Seven projects have either commenced or are in negotiation in this area.

Key Result Area 2 – Fostering involvement The objectives in this key result area are to improve understanding of non- participation in learning activities and increase the accessibility of learning activities and involvement of the farming community. Five projects have either commenced or are in negotiation in this area.

Key Result Area 3 – Optimising institutional arrangements The objectives in this key result area are to promote and rethink rural extension/education arrangements of government, industry, and community groups so that they respond to new and changing environments and promote enhanced learning and practice. Three projects have either commenced or are in negotiation in this area.

Key Result area 4 – Support for rural educators The objective of this key result area is to enhance the capacity of rural extension/education providers to deliver and enable effective learning activities. Two projects have either commenced or are in negotiation in this area.

Project Title Communication strategy for the cooperative venture: capacity building for innovation in rural industries - consultancy

RIRDC Project No: NAT-1A Start Date: 8-Jan-02 Finish Date: 31-Jul-03 Researcher: Ms. Anne Currey Organisation: Naturally Resourceful Pty Ltd PO Box 355 ALSTONVILLE NSW 2477 Phone: (02) 6628 7079 Fax: (02) 6628 7209 Email: [email protected] The objectives of the communications strategy are to: Objectives • reach the audience who needs to know about or will use the CV’s outputs • ensure understanding and ownership of the CV and its activities by senior management and directors of participating organisations. A number of activities were identified as part of a process to develop a communications strategy for the cooperative venture. These activities were: researching the CV’s market, identifying the needs of the market that can be serviced by the CV, benchmarking to allow evaluation at a later date, and development of a limited number of strategic communications products.

Current Progress Progress is as follows. Benchmarking. A small qualitative survey of nineteen people working with groups and individuals in agriculture and six senior managers was completed in November 2002 to gauge their awareness of the CV and of the concept of capacity building.

Contact database. A contact database containing names of 340 people who have applied to be added to the Cooperative Venture email list has been developed.

Email newsletters. The first issue of the newsletter was emailed in February and another in June (it was planned that the second issue would be sent out in May, making the newsletter quarterly, however, two articles about projects were delayed and alternatives had to be sourced). Another edition is being prepared for emailing in September. Both editions of the newsletter are also on the VC website.

Brochure. The CV brochure was printed in January and copies are available from RIRDC. A PDF of the brochure is also on the website.

Other articles. An article about the CV appeared in the June issue of Innovate Australia, an email newsletter published on behalf of the R&D corporations.

Symposium. A background paper outlining the format of the symposium and supporting senior policy workshops was developed for discussion at the June committee meeting. A possible venue (at Rutherglen Research Institute) was also visited and a list of people interested in being involved in organising the symposium collated.

Project Title Capacity Building for Innovation in Rural Industries Cooperative Venture Project 1 - National Education/ Extension Evaluation

RIRDC Project No: RRE-1A Start Date: 31-Dec-01 Finish Date: 31-Dec-03 Researcher: Dr. Jeff Coutts Organisation: Roberts Research and Evaluation Pty Ltd 32 Clive Crescent TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350 Phone: 0438 361 153 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • The man activities for Project A are to review current extension practice to identify what works and why and to compile that information on a data base that is freely accessible.

Current Progress There are two other projects associated with Project A. They are: Project B: Fostering Involvement in rural industry and government extension; and Project C: Improving Institutional Support Arrangements for Rural Capacity Building. Together, these three projects have investigated the rural education environment from three different perspectives but all looking at what currently happens in extension and what could happen in the future. Extension projects in Project A emerged to be one of four main types: Programmed learning - where a defined body of knowledge is extended to learners through some form of direct contact such as seminars and workshops. A key success factor for this model is the use of an adult learning approach to delivery; Information access - where information is made accessible through information centres, and websites. Comprehensive, up to date and easily accessible information are key indicators of success; Group empowerment/capacity building - where a group of learners takes charge of their own learning and asks for what it needs for learning. Key success factors for this model are a facilitator for the group and the level of sharing and participation; and Technology development - where individuals collaborate to build some new form of technology or test current technology. Key success factors for projects using this model are the use of a facilitator and a farmer/producer who takes leadership role. In Project A there are currently over 30 projects on the data base. These projects are analysed according to type, intended outcomes, industry and operating style. Their funders and providers have approved their public scrutiny through the RIRDC website. Another 60 projects await finalisation and approval. There are changes rural education environment that could impact on the current criteria of success of extension projects. These are changes such as Federal government policy on the employment of natural resource management facilitators who will now be community rather than government employed. In Queensland there is a move towards a combined government agency approach towards the research development and extension. The extension staff involved in these agencies are likely to alter the way they measure or are asked to measure success.

Project Title Reconceptualising extension to deliver triple bottom line outcomes

RIRDC Project No: UM-62A Start Date: 7-Jan-02 Finish Date: 31-Aug-03 Researcher: Dr. Ruth Beilin Organisation: The University of Melbourne Institute of Land and Food Resources UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE VIC 3010 Phone: (03) 8344 3314 Fax: (03) 9250 6995 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • Outcomes of the proposed research include: a diagnostic framework, developed from literature analysis and experiential data, that can inform extension practice within production landscapes; a WWW page report of findings tied to the RIRDC initiative, including a (secondary data) case study application of the framework; rural industries more aware of and able to design programs to deliver appropriate triple bottom line outcomes.

Current Progress A comprehensive literature review exploring the rhetoric of ‘triple bottom line’ (TBL) and its various applications in extension and other sectors (local government, business and commodity industries) has been completed. A preliminary diagnostic framework has been developed as a tool for making the complexity of the ‘everyday’ landscape context in which extension operates explicit, in order to inform a reconceptualised process of extension that reinforces sustainable TBL outcomes. This framework has been ‘tested’ in a number of stakeholder fora, including: ‘The social dimensions of the triple bottom line’ Bureau of Rural Science (BRS) forum, Canberra; a progress-to- date presentation to the Cooperative Venture, Canberra; 10th Agri Food Conference in New Zealand; and in a lecture for the Human Dimensions of Resource Management unit, Institute of Land and Food Resources, University of Melbourne. The findings have also been presented in three refereed papers and to existing research networks.

The second part of the initial grant is a case study (based on secondary data) of extension practice relating to water management in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria. It examines documented extension projects, and will provide insight into how extension could be modified when the diagnostic framework is applied; and identify opportunities for change so that extension can better contribute to improved water management. At the conclusion of this section the framework will be ready for ‘testing’ in current commodity or other resource management projects.

Project Title Creating inspiration - how visual and performing arts shape environmental behaviour

RIRDC Project No: UNE-85A Start Date: 7-Jan-02 Finish Date: 7-Jan-05 Researcher: Dr. Nick Reid Organisation: University of New England Ecosystem Mangement School of Rural Science and Natural Resources ARMIDALE NSW 2351 Phone: (02) 6773 2759 Fax: (02) 6773 2769 Email: [email protected]

Objectives • Review of overseas experience to investigate how the arts are use din shaping perceptions and behaviour towards the environment internationally. • Use of a series of events that incorporate the arts and environmental repair to evaluate the role of the arts in changing people behaviour towards the environment. • Multi-media kit and training package for extension agents, community based organisations and R&D practitioners that helps them incorporate the arts into their extension.

Current Progress This RIRDC funded project is part of a larger project of the same name funded by Land and Water Australia. The overall project is investigating how the arts are used in shaping perceptions towards the environment in Australia with a view of providing policy and procedural recommendations for extension and environmental education programs. The project is based on interviews with arts practitioners, land managers, and environmental exemplars, and a detailed examination of several case studies where the arts have been used to influence environmental behaviour. These include art exhibitions, concerts, and major community events. The RIRDC is funding a review of how the arts are used in shaping perceptions and behaviour towards the environment internationally (to take place in 2004); the production of a multi-media kit and training package for extension agents, community-based organisations and R&D practitioners that helps them to incorporate the arts into their extension (to take place in 2005); and the study of a series of events that incorporate the arts and environmental repair to evaluate the role of the arts in changing people’s behaviour towards the environment. Originally five case studies were to be examined. This has been increased to about eight, all of which have either taken place or are to do so in the next 12 months. Analysis has commenced on those that have been completed.