1. NCEA Vision and Mission

The NCEA was established in 1994 and specialises in undertaking engineering research relevant to the agribusiness sector and the natural resource base it utilises. The Centre promotes this research through extension, training and commercialisation.

1.1 Vision

Our vision is:
• To be recognized as a leader in R&D delivery for agricultural technology outcomes in rural industries.
• To be acclaimed by our Joint Venture Partners and the Stakeholders they serve, as providing outstanding services and value.

1.2 The Mission Statement

The Mission Statement of the NCEA is:

a). To undertake engineering research in agriculture and related environmental areas relevant to improving the profitability, environmental sustainability and socio-economic wellbeing of our rural industries and their natural resource base, as well as the manufacturing and service sectors which support them;

b). To promote this research via relevant extension and training programs and most importantly through commercial interaction with industry; and

c). To act as a focus for Agricultural Engineering Australia wide via development of joint projects and support for professional development programs.

2. Structure and Management

The NCEA is a joint venture of the Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water (QNRM&W) and the University of Southern Queensland (USQ). The NCEA specialises in developing collaborative teams of private and public sector research individuals and organisations to provide industry focused solutions.

The NCEA’s board of management is made up of representatives of the joint venture partners as well as industry representatives. The NCEA is housed on the campus of the University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba.

2.1 The Partners

The University of Southern Queensland

The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) supports over 25,000 students per year over 6 faculties with more than half of these being external students. It is a centre for excellence in distance education in Australia. The Faculty of Engineering and Surveying at USQ attracts more first preferences than any other tertiary institution in Queensland offering engineering or surveying courses. The Faculty of Engineering and Surveying offers the only undergraduate Agricultural Engineering course in Australia and runs one of the largest post graduate programs in the country.

The team of committed staff within the faculty actively seek opportunities for collaboration with industry through the range of research and extension programs currently operating through the NCEA.

The Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water

The Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water (QNRM&W) works closely with other government agencies, industry and the general community to develop and implement programs to manage and maintain Queensland's natural resources. Partnerships are key to QNRM&W’s promotion of sustainable use and management of the state's natural resources.

The involvement of QNRM&W within the NCEA has ensured that the engineering skills we have developed over the years are applied in a range of relevant areas particularly in rural water use efficiency and on farm irrigation and water management.

2.2 Commercial Affiliates

The NCEA collaborates with a wide range of private sector firms in undertaking its research, development and commercialisation and have confirmed affiliate status on four local firms, FSA Consulting Pty Ltd, AgGuide Pty Ltd, Landloch Pty Ltd and BioSystems Engineering in recognition of the long standing nature of our professional relationship.

FSA Consulting is a professional consultancy providing agricultural, environmental and engineering services to intensive livestock industries, broadacre farmers, abattoirs and industry. AgGuide specialises in agricultural vehicle guidance technology and supplies a range of affordable, integrated GPS guidance systems and row following steering systems. Landloch is a specialist environmental consultancy in soil, water, climate and plant interactions for all forms of land management and/or changes in land use and BioSystems Engineering is a professional consultancy firm committed to providing technological solutions to problems presented in agriculture, forestry, biology and the environment.

2.3 The Board

Roy Smith (CHAIRMAN)

  QNRM&W REPRESENTATIVES:

• Tony Horton
• Lamond Graham

USQ REPRESENTATIVES:

• Graham Baker
• Rod Smith

• Ben White (Kondinin Group)External Board Member

Erik Schmidt is the Director of the NCEA.