Research Proposals
A key aspect of the Mulligans Flat – Goorooyarroo Woodland Experiment (the Experiment) is that it is an “outdoor laboratory” for understanding box-gum grassy woodlands. To achieve this we have an integrated approach to research, which aims to maximise the effectiveness of efforts and resources, and minimises negative impacts on other research and the nature reserves. To do this, new proposed research is considered by the Mulligans Flat – Goorooyarroo Research Management Committee and other existing researchers. The Terms of Reference of the Committee can be found here.
If you would like to propose a research project at Mulligans Flat – Goorooyarroo, the process is as follows:
- Prepare and submit a proposal to the Secretary of the Committee Mr Stuart Jeffress Stuart.Jeffress@act.gov.au.
- Proposals are then circulated to the Committee and other researchers with research registered at Mulligans Flat – Goorooyarroo. The Committee meets approximately every six weeks, and proposals must be submitted two weeks before the meeting.
- Proposals are considered by the Committee at the next meeting. Research proponents are strongly encouraged to attend the Committee meeting to make a presentation and discuss their proposal. The Committee will then make its decision, and the proponent will then be contacted by the Secretary with the outcome.
- Approved projects will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Experiment and will be added to the Approved Projects Register, and will be consulted on future project proposals. A condition of approval is that researchers are prepared to make a presentation of results to the Committee and to appropriate land managers from time to time.
- The process of evaluating research proposals does not replace formal ACT licencing obligations (see Terms of Reference) – which remain the responsibility of the proponent. However, to ensure swift processing of a proposal, we recommend researchers submit their proposal to the Committee early, because ACT Government licencing will refer to the Committee for its views on all proposals to undertake research at Mulligans Flat and Goorooyarroo.
Guidance for writing proposals
In evaluating research and proposals, the Committee and existing researchers will consider the following issues. It is recommended that these issues are addressed in the proposal:
- Any potential conflict with the “The Mulligans Flat – Goorooyarroo Woodland Experiment” or other approved research;
- The likely impact on the operational resources and management programs of the ACT Government;
- Any likely ecological impact;
- Whether it is a necessity for the proposed research to be carried out at Mulligans Flat or Goorooyarroo nature reserves (i.e. could the research be carried out elsewhere?);
- The probability of the proposed research project being completed and resourced; and
- That the proposal is submitted within a reasonable timeframe for consideration by the Committee and other researchers;
