Latest news with #GRDC
West Australian
5 days ago
- Science
- West Australian
GRDC and partners invest $11m into CSIRO mouse management research
Research into mouse activity and the threat it presents to Australian grain growers will be boosted by a new $11 million joint investment. The multi-million dollar investment from the Grains Research & Development Corporation and partners will fund research led by the CSIRO, allowing multi-year collaborative projects to continue. The research, conducted by the CSIRO, is aimed at forming impact mitigation strategies by investigating how food availability and habitat quality for mice can be reduced through different farming practices as well as lowering breeding success and survival. It also looks at the effectiveness of baiting strategies, novel bait formulations, the use of non-lethal deterrents, the impact of non-crop habitats, and the role of invertebrates in supporting the rapid population growth of mice. GRDC pest manager Dr Leigh Nelson said that advancements in farming systems provided more cover, more food and less ground disturbance from reduced tillage for mice, which had encouraged a population boom. 'Over the years, GRDC initiatives have improved mouse surveillance techniques, refined predictive models, and promoted the widespread adoption of effective management practices through robust communication and extension activities,' she said. 'We will continue to work with key research partners such as CSIRO to tackle the challenges posed by mice to grain production through investments like those announced.' Mouse activity will be monitored three times a year at more than 200 sites across the country, to provide region-specific data. Research on mouse ecology and gaining a better understanding of mice in zero and no-till cropping systems will be led by senior research scientist Dr Wendy Ruscoe. 'The more we know about mouse behaviour in these systems, the more we can help grain growers reduce their economic impact through leading crop protection practice and mouse management techniques,' she said. A GRDC mouse monitoring update released on May 5 showed a low amount of mouse abundance from the Mid West to the south coast, and a moderate mouse abundance in areas in the Mid West and Great Southern. CSIRO research scientist Dr Peter Brown will lead ongoing monitoring of mice to predict seasonal population outbreaks throughout cropping regions including the South West, Great Southern, Mid West, and Esperance-Goldfields. 'This comprehensive portfolio of research will deliver grain growers the latest evidence-backed information on how to reduce the impact of mice in crops,' Dr Brown said. Mice surveillance will also take place in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Zimbabwe seeking contractor for 5 MW of solar
IDBZ, the development bank of Zimbabwe, is working with the Gutu Rural District Council (GRDC) to select a turnkey EPC+F+OM contractor to assist with the development of a 5 MW solar project in Masvingo province. The move follows an announcement in March by the IDBZ for a solar tender seeking an EPC contractor to develop, finance, and operate the 5 MW solar project in Gutu district, with expressions of interest due by April 14, 2025. Chatsworth Energy (Pvt) Ltd., a special purpose vehicle (SPV) established by the IDBZ and the GRDC, is leading the development of the PV project. It is being built near the town of Gutu-Mupandawana and will span 15 hectares across Berry Springs and Wheatlands Farms, according to the tender documents. The facility will be grid-connected to the 33/11 kV Gutu substation, which lies 1 km from the site. A grid impact assessment has reportedly determined that the project will have a positive impact on grid stability. The project has already secured the necessary statutory approvals, and feasibility and environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) have been completed. The board approval for the project was granted on Aug. 23, 2024, and the next step is the solicitation of bids for the EPC+F+OM contractor, according to the tender documents. The successful contractor will be tasked with full-cycle execution, including design, procurement, financing (either full or partial), installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of the PV system. The key responsibilities will also include the construction of a 1.1 km, 33 kV line to the Gutu substation, the installation of a 5/7 MVA step-up transformer, the provision of security systems, and the inclusion of monitoring systems for solar performance. The project must comply with both Zimbabwean regulations and international solar industry standards. The completion deadline is set for 12 months from the contract signing. Contractors are required to demonstrate experience in similar projects, with the evaluation process weighted between technical and financial proposals. The successful contractor must also submit proof of funding support and detailed personnel information, including key team members with relevant qualifications. Eligible contractors must meet several criteria, including experience with grid-tied PV projects (at least 5 MW), registration with the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ), and financial documentation. A minimum bid validity of 90 days is required. The project aims to support Zimbabwe's renewable energy goals, contribute to grid stability, and establish a reliable solar infrastructure with high operational efficiency. Contractors must submit their proposals by April 28, 2025, with the full terms of reference available on the IDBZ website. Zimbabwe's cumulative installed PV capacity stood at 41 MW by the end of 2023, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). © Copyright The Zimbabwean. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
