Research & evidence
The evidence produced through research — on design performance, health outcomes, energy savings, employment and governance — makes every subsequent iteration of the model cheaper, faster and more effective.
CRC RACE for 2030
CRC RACE for 2030 brings together $70 million in funding across universities, industry and community organisations, all focused on Australia's transition to a zero-carbon future.
There is a window open right now — around six months — to develop new three-year research projects running to June 2030. Net-zero housing in remote Indigenous communities, with solar integration, prefab construction and community governance, is a strong fit for the mandate.
The KINRA team is developing a joint proposal with Curtin University, Adelaide University, Prefab Australia and Horizon Power. Adelaide University has uncommitted CRC funds that need to be leveraged within this window.
"KINRA generates knowledge as well as housing. The evidence produced makes every subsequent iteration of the model cheaper, faster and more effective."
What we're investigating
What design standards are appropriate and achievable for remote tropical Indigenous housing in the Kimberley? How do passive design, solar PV and battery storage combine for maximum impact? What does measured performance look like in practice?
How do solar and battery integrated prefab systems perform in remote Kimberley conditions? What is the cost-benefit profile? What is the VPP revenue potential for the community trust over 30 years?
What governance structures most effectively support community-controlled housing precincts in remote Indigenous communities? How do the sixteen First Nations groups in Derby navigate shared governance sustainably?
What are the measurable health, educational and economic outcomes associated with improved housing quality in Derby over three years? Can KINRA demonstrate a statistically measurable reduction in Strep A and RHD incidence?
PhD scholarships
At least two PhD scholarships — supervised jointly through Curtin and Adelaide University — will be embedded in the Derby community. Open to Kimberley candidates. The research belongs to Country.
Net-zero housing design, solar-battery integration and energy performance in remote tropical conditions. Open to Kimberley candidates.
Indigenous governance models for community-controlled housing. Health, education and economic outcomes measurement. Open to Kimberley candidates.
Curtin CUSP · Adelaide University · Notre Dame University (Prof. Poelina) · Bankwest Economics Centre (Prof. Dockery) · NHMRC · ARC
Five working groups
Five working groups are running simultaneously, each with named leads and defined outputs feeding into the pre-feasibility study.
Led by Prof. Newman and Victor Hunter. Site layouts, schematic designs, cost estimates and feasibility analysis. Includes Damien Crowe (Prefab Australia) and Prof. Anne Poelina.
Led by Prof. Dockery and Declan Harwood (Derby Chamber). Financial models, revenue projections, funding strategy and risk assessment.
Led by Victor Hunter with Bishop Tim Norton, Luke Lawrence (Derby Shire) and local Indigenous representatives. Stakeholder engagement, needs assessment and community-driven priorities.
Led by Warren Phillips with Development WA, Landgate and Kimberley Development Commission. Legal structures, accountability and governance agreements.