A project that aims to learn more about WA’s ancient past through rock art and climate change in the Dampier Archipelago, research into ways of enhancing wellbeing in Australians and scientists examining community experiences of urban development, have received a combined $3.1 million in research funding from the Federal Government’s Australian Research Council.
The funding, announced today by the Education Minister Dan Tehan, is part of the Australian Research Council’s linkage project scheme. These research projects are based on strategic research alliances with various industry and community groups.
Researchers from the UWA Centre for Rock Art Research and Management will deploy innovative science to understand the age of the rock art and stone features in the Dampier Archipelago. Working with traditional owners (Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation) and Industry (Rio Tinto and Woodside) the project will result in new knowledge about the culturally significant heritage-listed site.
The project, which has received $1.3 million in ARC funding, aims to find out more about the people who produced rock art and stone structures over time, and the impact of climate change and water availability in the region.
Scientists in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences will be looking at ways of improving well-being in Australians. The project ‘Linking for Life” which has received $1.3 million in funding will identify pathways to wellbeing to improve social outcomes.
They will look into how high-risk and vulnerable individuals and their families can be supported through service provision and how to improve outcomes in consultation with government agencies.
A project carried out through UWA’s Australian Urban Design Research Centre that has received $480, 000 will evaluate community experiences of infill development to identify what determines community support, or resistance, to urban development.
The findings will support future planning and land use decisions, and be used for projects such as the planning and design of future Metronet station precincts in Western Australia.
UWA Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Tim Colmer said the funding from the Australian Research Council would support research to help improve the lives of Australians and expand knowledge.
“These projects involve industry and community partnerships with researchers, all working together as teams, to solve problems and deliver positive benefits to the community,” Professor Colmer said.