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QUEENSLAND MUSEUM OPERATIONAL PLAN 2009 — 2010

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Cover image: Mite (family Trombidioidea)

Queensland Museum Operational Plan 2009–20101

INTRODUCTIONQueensland Museum (QM) was founded by the Queensland Philosophical Society on 20 January 1862 and since that time has maintained a proud record of service to all Queenslanders.

The Board of QM was established under the provisions of the Queensland Museum Act 1970. Subsequent changes to this Act were effected through the Arts Legislation Amendment Act 1997, the Arts Legislation Amendment Act 2003 and the Statutory Bodies Legislation Amendment Act 2007. The Board is appointed by the Governor-in-Council on the recommendation of the Minister for the Arts.

QM has responsibility for the delivery of museum services across the State. This is facilitated through a network of museums established under the approval of the Governor-in-Council. Campuses of QM include –

1. QM South Bank, Brisbane

2. The Museum of Tropical Queensland, Townsville

3. The Workshops Rail Museum, Ipswich

4. Cobb+Co. Museum, Toowoomba

5. Lands, Mapping and Surveying Museum, Woolloongabba, Brisbane

6. QM Annexe, Hendra, Brisbane.

The purpose of this plan is to provide strategic direction for all QM’s activities within the context of whole-of-government priorities and outcomes. The plan has been developed in a collaborative process involving staff and the Board of QM. A statement of resource implications for the plan is detailed in Attachment C.

GOVERNMENT POLICY OUTCOMES In developing this plan, QM recognises the important role it plays in contributing to the Government’s ambitions of a strong, green, smart, healthy and fair State as outlined in TowardQ2 – Tomorrow’s Queensland, September 2008. QM’s key strategies are directly related to the achievement of the Government’s Q2 goals.

VISIONAn accessible and valued museum of international standing exploring Queensland’s unique scientific, cultural and natural landscape.

MISSIONQM’s mission is to enrich and enliven Queensland communities.

The QM network is uniquely positioned to contribute to the development of communities in Queensland through the power of learning from objects, collections and museum visitor experiences.

Rich, lively communities have a strong sense of identity and connection to their heritage, their environment and to each other. They take pride in their past, actively explore the present and strive to create a better future. They are continuously learning. They understand the global context in which they live and take pride in sharing their unique stories and natural landscape with other communities.

In achieving its mission QM will strengthen social cohesion in Queensland communities and create economic benefit.


VALUESIn fulfilling its mission, QM commits to the following behaviours.

As one organisation we:

• CelebratetheState’sbiological,culturalandregionaldiversity

• Striveforexcellence

• Embraceinnovationandcreativity

• Cherishcollections

• Respondtochangingcommunityissuesandaudienceneedsandwants

• Fosteracultureoflifelonglearning

• Valueteamworkandrespectindividualcontribution

• Nurturepartnerships.

OPERATING ENVIRONMENT If QM is to achieve its mission it must be responsive to the changing environment in which it operates. The strategic fit between QM and its operating environment will largely determine its success in creating value for the Queensland public. QM has taken the following trends and issues into account when developing its goals and strategies:

Society: growing population (2500 new Queenslanders per week); changing demographics in regional centres; new outer metro growth areas/decentralisation of SEQueensland;keyaudiences–familieswithchildrenandactiveolderadults

Nation building: global recession and the world economy impacting on state revenues and philanthropy; nation building debt through infrastructure investment; climate change; water; clean coal technology

Community: an increasing desire for a sense of community cohesion; increased vitality of online and virtual communities; museums as community hubs and safe public spaces; expectation to increase volunteering; public seeking more affordable/value for money activities

Indigenous engagement: 2008 apology; government commitment to “closing the gap” and furthering reconciliation; improving education and health outcomes; acknowledging and respecting culture and knowledge

Lifestyle: growth of new media; virtual social networks and creative industries; less leisure time yet greater expectations of leisure time activities; value for money; sea change / tree change; changing work patterns; telecommuting; flexible working hours; leisure time learning

Technology: new technologies provide greater access to collections, research and public programs; investment and convergence of technologies

Art, culture and education: growing community interest in arts and culture; blurring of the roles of galleries, museums and libraries – opportunities for partnerships; urban night life and art and culture; national education priorities

Environmental: monitoring environmental health and climate change; sustainable practices — museum as exemplar; growth in biotechnologies

Profile: highly competitive environment; need to influence and engage with key stakeholders; imperative to partner

Political: changes to national, State and regional priorities; alignment with Q2 directions and targets; increased Commonwealth focus on national priorities in environment and culture


STRATEGIC THEMES With an overarching theme of Distinctively Queensland, the research, collection development and public program activities of the Queensland Museum are strategically directed by the following themes –

1. Sustainable Queensland — the documentation, conservation and appreciation of Queensland’s unique biodiversity

2. Ancient Ecosystems — the exploration, discovery and documentation of Australia’s unique geological and biological record which underpins the knowledge and custodianship of Australia’s modern environments

3. Queensland Stories — the people, places, cultures and events that make Queensland distinctive

4. Customs, Cultures and Country — Aboriginal, Torres Strait and Pacific Islander experiences, perspectives and cultures

5. Science and Technology in Society — heritage trades, technology and the role of science in people’s lives

6. Connecting Queensland: Reaching the World — transport, communications and Queensland’s place in the world.

A comprehensive list of Priority Themes and Sub-themes is attached (Attachment A)

PRIORITIES Followingarethestrategicprioritiesforthefouryearperiod2009–2013:

1. Have QM recognised and resourced as a museum of international standing.

2. Deliver valued museum products and services to all Queensland communities derived from QM’s research and collection strengths.

3. Enhancecommunityidentity,capabilityandcohesionandbuildQMcapability.

4. Strategically manage QM’s collection and knowledge management systems to improve access, targeted development, storage, conservation and documentation.

5. Secure funding for QM infrastructure priorities to ensure a stable network of museum operations across the State.

Recognition of QM as a museum of international

standing

Delivering valued museum products and services

Building community and Queensland

Museum capacity

Securing funding for infrastructure

priorities

Strategically managing the Queensland Museum collection

PRIORITIES


KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

1. POSITIONING

Through our long-term commitment to high-quality scholarship and world class research, strong community connections, audience engagement and outstanding learning opportunities, QM will be recognised as a museum of international standing by stakeholders from the general public to peers and Government.

Goal

• QMisrecognisedasamuseumofinternationalstanding.

Key Performance Indicators

• Audienceandstakeholderresearch

• Marketingandcommunicationplans.

Strategies 2009–2010 Outcomes 2009–2010

1.1 Government Relations 1.1 Government Relations

Implement Strategic Government Relations Program

•StrategicGovernmentRelationsimplemented

•Improvedadvocacyresultinginincreased resources

1.2 Value of QM 1.2 Value of QM

Analyse the results of the Contingent ValuationStudy

•ValuesofQMidentifiedandquantified

•Valuationstudysharedwiththeartsand cultural industry

1.3 Corporate Communications 1.3 Corporate Communications

Implement a Corporate Communication Strategy

•ACorporateCommunicationStrategy implemented

•QMresearchpromotionstrategyimplemented

1.4 Marketing Plans 1.4 Marketing Plans

Review Campus Marketing Plans to reflect “One QM”

•CampusMarketingPlansreviewedand implemented

•“OneQM”recognisedinplansand actions

1.5 Unifying QM Culture 1.5 Unifying QM Culture

Roll out “One QM” internally •Functionalgroupmeetingsfacilitatedacross QM

•Culturalchangetowards“OneQM”

1.6 Audience Research 1.6 Audience Research

Clarify audience research requirements and conduct targeted audience research

•Improvedunderstandingofaudienceand stakeholders


2. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

QM’s unique and credible knowledge base drives the creation and delivery of quality learning products and services that connect people to Queensland and to each other through a dynamic network of statewide services.

Goal

• Valuedmuseumproductsandservices,derivedfromQM’sresearchandcollection strengths, are delivered to all Queensland communities.


Reach of products and services as measured by:

• Participationinlectures,publictalks,workshops,andoutreachprograms

• PhysicalandonlinevisitstotheQMnetwork.

Numberofproductsandservicesdeliveredasmeasuredby:

• Numberofresearchpaperspublished

• Lectures/talksdelivered

• Newdisplaysopened(sqmetresoflongtermandshorttermexhibitions)

• Popularandresearchpublicationssoldordistributed

• QueenslandLocalGovernmentAuthoritiesthatreceiveQMservices.

Strategies 2009-2010 Outcomes 2009 – 2010

2.1 QM Network 2.1 QM Network

Maintain an effective network of Museums that operate as community hubs and play a key role in Queensland tourism

•QMreachtoQueenslandcommunities enhanced

2.2 Exhibitions 2.2 Exhibitions

(a) Develop and implement a 5yr rolling plan for travelling exhibitions

•Dodd Collection – in development

•Great Railway Journeys – on the road

(b) Develop a QM 5yr rolling plan for significant exhibitions:

– 1 in development

– 1 to open

•NationalCarriageFactoryProject–in development

•In Your Backyard – opened in Sciencentre

2.3 Public Programs 2.3 Public Programs

Develop one signature public program event at each campus

•TWRM:Thomas and Friends

•Cobb+Co:Have A Go Heritage Trade Festival

•MTQ:Bugs

•QMSB:Dinosaurs

•QMWebsite:NationalScienceWeek

2.4 QM Website 2.4 QM Website

Develop QM virtual campus •QMvirtualcampuslaunched

•Revenuegeneratingactivitieshighlighted on web

•Virtualaccessprovidedtocollections



2.5 Self Generated Revenue 2.5 Self Generated Revenue

(a) Develop and implement a 2yr strategic investment plan for products and services that increases QM revenue •Increasedrevenuethroughhigher

yield products and services and increased charges

(b) Review shop inventory and develop higher yield QM merchandise

(c) Annually review all charges for products and services

2.6 Publications 2.6 Publications

Progress 5yr Publications Plan •NeweditionofWild Places of Greater Brisbane and Toxic Plants and Animals of Australia and reprint of Wildlife of Greater Brisbane

2.7 Regional Services 2.7 Regional services

(a)EffectivelymanagetheLoansService •Communityreachextendedandlearning opportunities provided

(b) Implement Museum Resource Centre (MRC) Strategic Plan 2007–10 and develop preferred QM outcomes for next MRC Strategic Plan 2010–14

•ArtsQueenslandagreementtocontinue MRC in 2010–13

3. COMMUNITY IDENTITY, CAPABILITY AND COHESION; QUEENSLAND MUSEUM CAPABILITY

QM plays a significant role in building community capability through its vigorous volunteer program, innovative partnerships with local community and industry, and lifelong learning programs.

QM’s research with international partners delivers information that is critical to understanding key global issues.

QM is committed to strengthening corporate capability through a culture of lifelong learning.

Goal

• Communityidentity,capabilityandcohesionenhancedandQMcapabilitybuilt through research, partnerships and lifelong learning.


Research undertaken as measured by:

• Researchpaperspublished

• Externalresearchfundssecured.

Community partnerships established as measured by:

• ContributionofQMvolunteers

• MembershipofQMAdvisoryCommitteesandQMFoundationTrust

• QMFoundationsponsorsanddonors

• Researchpartnerships.

EnhancedQMworkforcecapabilitythroughinvestmentinprofessionaldevelopment.

Enhancedcorporatecapabilitythroughinvestmentsinbusinesssystemsinfrastructure, compliance with Government regulations and review of operations.



3.1 Research 3.1 Research

(a)Focusresearchprojectsonidentifiedstrategic priorities that provide economic and social benefits and protect the Queensland environment

•Researchcontributestostate,national and QM priorities (see Attachment B for list of QM researchprojects)

(b) Optimise external funding, sponsorship and contract research opportunities

•Targetsforexternalresearchfundsmet or exceeded

(c) Communicate research activity through a variety of media forums

•Researchpublicationtargetsachieved

3.2 Lifelong Learning 3.2 Lifelong Learning

(a) Actively foster culture of lifelong learning within QM and the community

•Skillsdevelopmentalignedto QM strategic priorities and workforce plan

•QMvaluedasaprovideroflifelong learning opportunities

(b)Engageeducationprofessionalsintheuse and development of QM content

•Curriculumrelatedlearningresources developed

(c)Enhancetrainingprogramsandobject-based learning, heritage trades, scientific research, and museum practices

•Qualityandquantityoftrainingprograms provided to the public

3.3 Business Services 3.3 Business Services

(a)Enhancecapabilityofsystemsinfrastructure

Improved management capability:

•AnnualInformationCommunicationand Technology Plan developed and implemented

•Researchtechnologyrequirements reviewed

•FeasibilityPlandevelopedfortheElectronicDocumentRecordsManagementSystem(EDRMS)

•Managersprovidedwithimprovedfinancial data and training

•Resourcingofmultimediainexhibitions addressed

•Informationmanagementsystemsthat support QM Library and Inquiry Centre reviewed

•IMITreviewrecommendationsprogressively implemented

(b) Implement agreed recommendations from Capital Investment Business Plan 2009–13

•Agreedrecommendationsimplemented



3.4 Partnerships 3.4 Partnerships

(a) Continue to nurture existing partnerships

(b) Actively seek to develop new strategic partnerships

•Strategicpartnersidentifiedandnurtured

•Internationalpartnershipsenhanced

•Resourcesincreasedandprofileenhanced

3.5 Corporate Capability 3.5 Corporate Capability

(a) Align volunteer roles to strategic priorities

•Bettermanagementandalignmentof QM resources to agreed strategic priorities

(b) Identify and address key governance risks and obligations

•Updatingriskregister,businesscontinuity plan, planning documents, OHS manual, information standards etc

(c) Align QM sustainable practice with community expectations and government requirements

•Continueimplementationofsustainable practice in terms of usage of electricity, water, paper, recycling, building and maintenance designs, vehicle usage

(d) Develop Workforce Plan •WorkforcePlanendorsedforimplementation

(e) Review Biodiversity Program •Reviewcompletedandrecommendations progressively implemented

(f) Review Regional Services Program •Reviewcompletedandrecommendations progressively implemented

4. THE QUEENSLAND MUSEUM COLLECTION

The QM collection is a pivotal asset that brings to life almost a 150 year timeline of Queensland’s cultural and natural heritage and maps the building blocks of life in Queensland.

Through strategic collection development and improved access, QM’s collection will continue to facilitate research to deliver a better understanding of key global issues from climate change to nature conservation, cultural awareness and community harmony.

Goal

• TheQMcollectionandknowledgemanagementsystemsarestrategicallymanaged to improve access, collection development, storage, conservation and documentation.


Care of the collection as measured by:

• ThepercentageoftheStateCollectionthatisstoredtoanationalbenchmark standard.


Development of the collection as measured by:

• PhysicalitemsaddedtotheStateCollection

• DigitalitemsaddedtotheStateCollection.

Access to the collection as measured by:

• Collectionitemsmadeavailableforresearch,exhibitionandculturalpurposes

• Ancestralremainsandsecretandsacreditemsrepatriated.


4.1 Collection Management 4.1 Collection Management

(a)Fundandprogress5yrprogramtoundertake assessment registration/disposal of unaccessioned backlog

•5yearprogramprogressed

(b)Finalisecollectiondevelopment/de-accessioning procedures for all majorcollections

•Collectiondevelopmentanddeaccessioning procedures developed

(c)Undertaketargetedcollectinginlinewith QM collection development policy and procedures

•Targetsforphysicalanddigitalitems added to the State Collection achieved

4.2 Repatriation 4.2 Repatriation

Maintain stewardship and repatriation program to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities and other communities

•RepatriationofAboriginalandTorresStrait Islander ancestral remains and secret and sacred items progressed

4.3 Collection Access 4.3 Collection Access

(a) Implement collection storage upgradeproject

•Immediatecollectionstoragepriorities met

(b) Provide increased access to collection data thru progression of partnerships with Atlas of Living Australia, Queensland Historical Atlas and Queensland State Library

•Targetmetforcollectionitemsmadeavailable for research, exhibitions and cultural purposes

(c) Strategy to be developed to maintain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander access to QM collection

•NumberanddiversityofAboriginaland Torres Strait Islander community groups accessing QM collection maintained

4.4 Collection Conservation 4.4 Collection Conservation

Progress evaluation of conservation priorities for QM collection

•Conservationprioritiesidentified

4.5 Collection Valuation and Verification

4.5 Collection Valuation and Verification

Progress and implement valuation and verification procedures

•Valuationandverificationprocedures implemented


5. FUNDING AND INFRASTRUCTURE

To deliver a museum of international standing, work will continue on the development of QM’s research, cultural and educational assets to improve services that attract increased research, corporate and community partnerships and funding.

Goal

• FundingissecuredforQMinfrastructurepriorities.

Key Performance Indicator

• Selfgeneratedandotherrevenuesecured

Strategies 2009–2010 Outcomes 2009–2010

5.1 Asset Management 5.1 Asset Management

(a) Revise Asset Strategic Plan •Asset Strategic Plan revised and implemented

(b) Develop master plan and business case for storage/ rationalisation of QM collection across the QM network

•QMcollectionstrategicallymanaged

(c) Identify desired QM outcomes fromdevelopmentofNorthIpswichRailyards and participate in the development of a master plan for the NorthIpswichRailyards

•QM’sinvolvementintheNorthIpswichRailyards development determined

•Establishpartnershipsfortheredevelopment of The Powerhouse

(d)ConstructtheNationalCarriageFactory

•ConstructiontoplannedSeptember2010 opening.

5.2 Funding 5.2 Funding

(a) Develop annual consolidated QM State Government funding submission and related advocacy campaign addressing QM priorities in alignment with State Government priorities

•Fundingsubmissionfor2010–11submitted and advocacy campaign undertaken

(b) Develop alternative funding strategies incl: Commonwealth, other State Government Departments, Local Government, sponsorship, philanthropic, commercial ventures, user charging

•QueenslandMuseumFoundationtoachieve annual target for financial support for QM

•Improvedfinancialpositionsecuredfor QM

(c) Continue advocacy for recurrent and remaining capital funding for the National Carriage FactoryProject

(d) Implement fundraising strategy and maintain advocacy program for Stage 1 development of QMSB and Bug Safari

(e) Secure Government agreement to scope, plan and commit funding for Stage 2 redevelopment of QMSB

(f) Develop fundraising plan for The Powerhouse at TWRM

•Fundraisingplandeveloped

(g) Implement cost effective resolution to outstanding maintenance and accommodation issues at Hendra

•Costeffectiveresolutionimplemented


QM OPERATIONAL PLAN 2009–2010 ATTACHMENT ASTRATEGIC THEMES

UnderanoverarchingthemeofDistinctively Queensland, the research, collection development and public program activities of the Queensland Museum are strategically directed by the following themes:

1. Sustainable Queensland — the documentation, conservation and appreciation of Queensland’s unique biodiversity

1.1 Queensland biodiversity

– Uniqueandthreatenedfaunas

– Queensland in time and space: evolutionary and systematic biology

1.2 PeopleandtheEnvironment

– Healthy Queensland: ecosystem health and faunas of commercial or medical significance

– Conserving Queensland: ecology and conservation biology

– Climate change

2. Ancient Ecosystems — the exploration, discovery and documentation of Australia’s unique geological and biological record which underpins the knowledge and custodianship of Australia’s modern environments

2.1 Ancient earth

2.2 Gondwanan inheritance

2.3 Australia as an island

2.4 Quaternary climate change

3. Queensland Stories — the people, places, cultures and events that make Queensland distinctive

3.1 The Queensland lifestyle

3.2 Notablepeople,placesandeventsinQueenslandhistory

3.3 Leading the way — excellence in Queensland design and craftsmanship

3.4 Multicultural Queensland

3.5 Maritime heritage

4. Customs, Cultures and Country — Aboriginal, Torres Strait and Pacific Islander experiences, perspectives and cultures

4.1 Aboriginal experiences, perspectives and culture

4.2 Torres Strait Islander experiences, perspectives and culture

4.3 Australian South Sea Islander experiences, perspectives and culture

4.4 The people and cultures of the Pacific

5. Science and Technology in Society — heritage trades, technology and the role of science in people’s lives

5.1 Heritage trades

5.2 Energyandchange

5.3 Science today

5.4 Technological innovation

5.5 Hands on science / engaging with science

6. Connecting Queensland: Reaching the World — transport, communications and Queensland’s place in the world

6.1 Transport

6.2 Communication

6.3 Surveying and mapping

6.4 Bringing the world to Queensland

6.5 Queensland in the Asia/Pacific


QM OPERATIONAL PLAN 2009–2010 ATTACHMENT BQUEENSLAND MUSEUM RESEARCH PROJECTS

QMSTRATEGICTHEME1:

SUSTAINABLEQUEENSLAND–thedocumentation,conservationandappreciationofQueensland’s unique biodiversity

SUB-THEME 1.1: QUEENSLAND BIODIVERSITY 1.1.1 Unique and threatened faunas

SupportsQueenslandGovernmentResearchPriority2(EnvironmentallySustainableQueensland), Priority 6 (Tropical Opportunities)

Goal

ExploreanddiscoverQueensland’suniquebiodiversity,bydescribingandnamingthemultitude of taxa from our diverse ecosystems, especially to investigate faunas under threat from natural and anthropogenic influences, and to determine the uniqueness or commonality of Queensland’s faunas in relation to the rest of the world.

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR)

• MarinemolluscsoftheGBR

• CReefs:CensusofMarineLifesurveyofcoralreefbiotaonHeronandLizardIslands(GBR)andNingalooReef(WA)(AIMS&BHPBilliton)

Queensland coasts, estuaries, the continental deep sea and seamounts

• DeepDownunder:designingadeep-seaexplorationanddiscoverycapabilityforAustralia (ARC Linkage Grant)

• InventoryoffishesofMoretonBayMarineParkfishinventory

• MolluscanfaunalcompositioninmainlandMoretonBay

Rainforests

• MonographsonHabronestes species of Queensland (Araneae: Zodariidae) (ABRS grant)

• Woodlands,Brigalowandaridzones

• TaxonomyandsystematicsofAustralianLaelapidaeandLeptolaelapidaemites(ABRS Grant)

Queensland biodiversity in relation to the world (in space and time)

• SolomonIslandsbioactivesponges(IRDNoumeaconsultancy)

• Beta-diversityoffishparasites(ARCDiscoverygrant)

• TaxonomyoftheAscidiacea

• Nameaspider(QMFoundationcampaign)

• RevisionoftheAustralianantsofthegenusPolyrhachis;part1–subgeneraCyrtomyrma, Hagiomyrma, Hedomyrma, Myrma, Myrmatopa, Myrmhopla, Myrmothrinax and Polyrhachis (ABRS grant)

• PlanetaryBiodiversityInventory,WorldInventoriesofArachnida(NSFgrant)

• AustralianSeaSpiders:diversity,systematicsandphylogeneticadvances(ABRS grant)

Structure and function of organisms

• DiversityandevolutionofAustralianAntarcticSeaSpiders(AADgrant)


1.1.2 Queensland in time and space: evolutionary and systematic biology


Goal

Discover and broadly characterise faunas, bioregions or ecotypes using multiple datasets to infer systematics, evolutionary and biogeographic affinities.

Species boundaries

• “TheAcropora Genetics Consorium” (TAGC) genetics collection and phylogenetic studies. (Academica Sinica Taiwan collaboration)

Systematics

• SystematicsofPinguipedidfishes.ElucidatetaxonomyandbiogeographyofspeciesmappedforNOObioregionalisationprojects(DEHWAgrant)

• AtaxonomicrevisionofAustralia’smangroveandintertidalcrabfaunawithproduction of interactive keys, and a field guide (ABRS grant)

• TaxonomyofAustralasiantoxicsponges(familyDesmacellidae:Porifera,Demospongiae), integrating morphology, molecular and biochemical datasets (ABRS grant)

Evolutionary biology, phylogeny and cladistics

• AToLproject:FLYTREE:BuildingtheDipteranTree:CooperativeResearchinPhylogeneticsandBioinformaticsofTrueFlies(Insecta:Diptera)(USNSFgrant)

• DiversityandevolutionofAustralianAntarcticSeaSpiders:understandingspeciesdiversification and distribution patterns (AAD grant)

• Spermultrastructureingastropodmolluscswithspecialemphasisontaxonomicandphylogeneticimplications(USNSFgrant)

Biogeography, phylogeography and calibrating the molecular clock

• PhylogeographyofeasternAustralia’sleaf-tailedgeckos

• BarcodingofMarineBiodiversity(MarBOL)projectoftheCensusofMarineLifeandBarcodeofLifeinitiatives,AlfredP.SloanFoundation(AlfredPSloanFoundationgrant)

SUB-THEME 1.2: PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT 1.2.1 Healthy Queensland: ecosystem health and faunas of commercial or medical

significance

SupportsQueenslandGovernmentResearchPriority2(EnvironmentallySustainableQueensland), Priority 4 (Safeguarding Queensland), Priority 5 (Health and Wellbeing)

Goal

Record and explain the taxonomy, molecular diversity, distribution and ecology of species that are detrimental to animal health and the environment, recognition of invasive pests and diseases, and faunas that have other economic, social or medical significance.

Molecular Biology

• MolecularIdentitiesLaboratory(staffing)–Operationalsupportforprojectsthatutilise the MIL corporate facility

Biodiscovery

• Biodiscovery(marine)–novelpharmaceuticalcompoundsfromQueensland’smarinefaunaandfloraforNaturalProductsDevelopment(GriffithUniversity/AstraZeneca)

• Doeschemicaldiversitycorrelatewithbiologicaldiversity:implicationsfornaturalproduct drug discovery (ARC Discovery Grant)

• Biodiscovery(marine)–novelpharmaceuticalcompoundsfromQueenslandinter-reefs(NIHgrantUniversityofUtah)


Fisheries & tourism

• Faunasofcommercialsignificance–Morphologicalinvestigationofintertidalandmangroves crabs (ABRS grant)

• Faunasofcommercialsignificance–Morphologicalandmolecularinvestigationofsand crab populations, Portunus pelagicus species-complex

• Faunasofcommercialsignificance–Characterisationofcommercialandnoxiousfishes (QDPI funding)

Agriculture

• ToimproveAustralia’sdiagnosticcapabilitiesforflatmites(Acari:Tenuipalpidae)andbetter understand the native diversity of this economically important group of mites (ABRS grant)

Diseases and disease diagnostics

• Protozoabiodiversitydiscovery(NSWFisheries)

• Finfishdiseasedetection,diagnosticsandpathology

Parasitology

• AkeytotheAustralianNematomorpha(Gordioida)(ABRSgrant)

Microbial symbioses, diversity and ecology

• Microbialsymbioses,diversityandecology“DiversityofSalinispora actinobacteria producing pharmaceutically relevant natural products from Australian marine sponges” (ARC Linkage grant)

Invasive species

• PestOffinCentralQueensland:islandhitchhikers(QEPAgrant)

• BiologyofinvasionofRed-earedSliderturtles,Trachemys scripta elegans in Mango Hill,Brisbane,SEQ

1.2.2 Conserving Queensland: ecology and conservation biology


Goal

Investigate the distributions of species in time and space, the processes by which these ecological patterns are generated, and produce new knowledge for environmental planning, conservation biology and management of biological diversity.

Surrogates for biodiversity assessment.

• Surrogatesforbiodiversityassessment–antsas‘bioindicators’ofecosystemhealthin Queensland

Ecological monitoring and baseline studies.

• HMASBrisbanebaselinemonitoringsurvey(QEPAgrantincollaborationwiththeUniversityoftheSunshineCoast)

• Ecologicalmonitoringandbaselinestudies–Geneticstructure,geneflowandmetapopulations of aquatic snails from mound springs in the Great Artesian Basin. (ARC Linkage grant)

• ProjectXY–EcologyandconservationbiologyofinsectsandspidersincentralQueensland remnant rainforest and vine thicket (BAAM Consulting)

• Mapping,communitystructureandtaxonomyofdungbeetlesandtheirhabitatpreferences (Austalian Heritage Commission)

• BiodiversityattheHeights(BATH/IBISCAproject)–AltitudinalsurveyofinvertebratesatLamingtonNationalPark(QueenslandSmartStateFunding)

• BaselinesurveysandbiodiversityofinvertebratesofaridareasincludingBrigalow,gidgee, and desert environments of south-western Queensland

• BiodiversityofQueenslandandnorthernNewSouthWalesrainforestandwoodlandreptilefauna:surveysanddescriptions(UQ,EPAcollaborations)


• PhylogeographyofCyrtodactylus louisiadensis (ring-tail gecko) from Australia, NewGuineaandtheSolomonIslands(SydneyUniversityconsultancy)

• Ecologicalmonitoringandbaselinestudiesconservationstatus,distributionandcomparative taxonomic studies of the Plains Mouse Pseudomys australis

Habitat assessment.

• Xeromys myoides and seabird strandings research (documenting and interpreting the demise, nesting strategies, artificial nest experimentation and conservation status of theFalseWaterRat,andsurveyingseabirdstrandings)(GCCCconsultancy)

1.2.3 Climate change response

SupportsQueenslandGovernmentResearchPriority2(EnvironmentallySustainableQueensland)

Goal

Investigate the impacts and responses by species to climate change phenomena, from the perspective of small changes in distributions (time frames of several years), to medium term habitat shifts at the landscape level (periods spanning 20–100 years), to long term changes at the evolutionary level of geological time scales (millions of years).

• Environmentalmonitoring/reptileandamphibianpopulationtrendsinresponsetoclimate change

• Emergenceandpersistenceofagloballydominantreefcoralfamilyandfutureprospects in a changing world (ARC Linkage grant)

Alsothefollowingprojectslistedelsewherecontributetothistheme:

• BiodiversityattheHeights(BATH/IBISCAproject)–AltitudinalsurveyofinvertebratesatLamingtonNationalPark

• TerrestrialinvertebratepestsurveysoftheCapricorniaCays

• Baselinebiodiversitysurveysofmarinereefinvertebratesasindicatorsofclimateinduced population shifts in coral reef ecosystems

• Assessingadaptationalongtemperaturegradientsinfreshwaterbiotaandimplicationsof climate change for aquatic biodiversity

• Spiderinvasions:infestations,extinctionsandsouthernmigrationsandaltitudinalchanges of spiders over short time scales

• Rainforestreptileandamphibianpopulationtrendsinresponsetoclimatechange

• HighlatitudereefcoralsofAustraliaandJapan.Comparisonofspeciesdiversity,molecular biology and responses to climate change

• ConservationbiologyoftheMahoganyGliderPetaurus gracilis

• ConservationbiologyoftheWaterMouseXeromys myoides

• ConservationbiologyoftheAthertonAntechinusAntechinus godmani

• Phylogeography,marineconnectivityandsurvivorshipofdeepseaandseamount“livingfossil”spongefaunasinthewesternPacificusingROVandmanned submersibles

• Ecologicalmonitoringandbaselinestudies–ABayesianframeworkformetapopulationdynamics for species in endangered communities

• Conservingspeciesinhuman-modifiedlandscapes:incorporatingspatialpopulation processes

• Australia’smangroveandintertidalcrabfaunawithdocumentationofcurrentdistributional limits in regard to changes in range as a result of climate change and warming seas

• Taxonomyandpalaeoecologyonfossilmolluscsfromperi-reefaldepositsinnorthern Australia

• EnvironmentalchangeinnorthernCenozoicAustralia:amultidisciplinaryapproach(ARC Linkage grant)

• Quaternaryenvironmentalvariabilityinmarineandterrestrialsedimentsintropical eastern Australia (ARC Discovery grant)


• MegafaunaatMountEtna,aprimelevelresearchprojectwithmajorimplicationsforrecent(<1Ma)climateandfaunalchange(UNSWcollaboration)

• AntipodeanArkfocusingon‘modern’Australiaasanisolatedisland-continent

• Humans,environmentalchangeandfaunalsuccessiononSulawesi,Indonesia(ARC Linkage grant)

• Volcanismasamajordeterminantofmarineinvertebratedispersal

QMSTRATEGICTHEME2:

ANCIENTECOSYSTEMS–theexploration,discoveryanddocumentationofAustralia’sunique geological and biological record which underpins the knowledge and custodianship of Australia’s modern environments

SUB-THEME 2.1: ANCIENT EARTH: FOSSIL REEFS AND THEIR INHABITANTS SupportsQueenslandGovernmentResearchPriority2(EnvironmentallySustainableQueensland), Priority 6 (Tropical Opportunities)

Goal

To examine the preserved ecologies and palaeo-biodiversity of reef systems throughout geological time, and provide raw data for a number of internationally relevant geoscience problems; to enable key models to be developed for changes to modern reef ecosystems without temporal constraints (i.e. the results of extinctions, recoveries, climate change and ecosystem shift are preserved).

• Taxonomyandpalaeoecologyonfossilmolluscsfromperi-reefaldepositsinnorthern Australia

• PermianinvertebratesfromtheStanthorpeRoadFaultBlock,southofWarwick

• Precioustimecapsule:discoveryoffossil-richamberfromAustralia(ARCDiscovery grant with Australian Museum Sydney)

SUB-THEME 2.2: GONDWANAN INHERITANCE: QUEENSLAND DINOSAURS AND THEIR WORLD SupportsQueenslandGovernmentResearchPriority2(EnvironmentallySustainableQueensland), Priority 6 (Tropical Opportunities)

Goal

To elucidate key Cretaceous faunas and floras of Queensland, including the collection of key items; to increase public awareness of the fossil history of the state, produce marketable finds and contribute significantly to the research profile in the international arena.

• ProjectDinOzaur–toexplore,excavateandpromotethedinosaurdiscoveriesoftheGreatArtesianBasinandrelatedfaunasandfloras.Winton&Eromangadinosaursites

(QMBoard&palaeaotourismfunding)

SUB-THEME 2.3: AUSTRALIA AS AN ISLANDSupportsQueenslandGovernmentResearchPriority2(EnvironmentallySustainableQueensland)

Goal

To improve understanding of the geological history and biological implications, speciation, extinctions and evolution of the Australian fauna.

• AntipodeanArkfocuseson‘modern’Australiaasanisolatedisland-continent


SUB-THEME 2.4: QUATERNARY CLIMATE CHANGE: THE LAST 5 MILLION YEARS SupportsQueenslandGovernmentResearchPriority2(EnvironmentallySustainableQueensland), Priority 6 (Tropical Opportunities)

Goal

To investigate macrofossil records from key sites to gain critical insights into the last 5 million years of climatic and faunal history in Queensland in relation to the megafauna, extinctionandecologicalchange.Thefollowingprojectshavemajorimplicationsforecosystem management in the modern environment of shrinking niches and fluctuating climate (climate change).

P.A.S.T. focuses on the responses of northern Australian fauna and flora to climate change over the last 1–2 million years.

• EnvironmentalchangeinnorthernCenozoicAustralia:amultidisciplinaryapproach(ARC Linkage grant)

• Quaternaryenvironmentalvariabilityinmarineandterrestrialsedimentsintropicaleastern Australia (ARC Discovery grant)

• MegafaunaatMountEtna,aprimelevelresearchprojectwithmajorimplicationsforrecent(<1Ma)climateandfaunalchange(UNSWcollaboration)

Island Arc focuses on the strategic position of Sulawesi that gives it enormous potential to shed light on the evolutionary and dispersal history of extinct and living animal species – including hominins (proto-humans).

• Humans,environmentalchangeandfaunalsuccessiononSulawesi,Indonesia(ARC Linkage grant)

Connectivity focuses on how organisms maintain contact.

• Volcanismasamajordeterminantofmarineinvertebratedispersal

QMSTRATEGICTHEME3:

QUEENSLANDSTORIES-thepeople,places,culturesandeventsthatmakeQueensland distinctive

• QHAtlas(*seefootnote)

• QueenslandersincontemporaryAustralianpolitics

• StaffPhDprojectonminingheritage(externaltoQM)

• Contemporarytextiledesign

• HistoryofBrisbane

• BeneathBrisbane–archaeologyofthecity

• GreatBarrierReefculturalhistory


QMSTRATEGICTHEME4:

CUSTOMS,CULTURESANDCOUNTRY–Aboriginal,TorresStraitandPacificIslanderexperiences, perspectives and cultures


• Dandiiri Maiwar

• Paper Skin – Tapa in the Pacific,jointprojectwithQueenslandArtGalleryandTe Papa Museum

• RepatriationofAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderhumanremainsandsecretsacredobjects

• ArchaeologicalreinvestigationoftheSkertchlyCollection

• ArchaeologicalsurveyofBurkeandWillscampsite

• ARCLinkageProjectonRothCollection

• AboriginalhistoriesofGreatBarrierReefindustries

• StaffPhDprojectHumanOrigins(personal,externaltoQM)

• KenniffCaveandtheearlyhumanoccupationofQueensland

QMSTRATEGICTHEME5:

SCIENCEANDTECHNOLOGYINSOCIETY–heritagetrades,technologyandtheroleofscience in people’s lives


• X-raytechnologyinQueensland

• Localproductionofradios

• EarlyexperimentsintelevisionbroadcastinginQueensland

• Changingtelegraphtechnologyandhardware

• DaintreeCollectionofphotographs

QMSTRATEGICTHEME6:

CONNECTINGQUEENSLAND:REACHINGTHEWORLD–transport,communicationsandQueensland’s place in the world


• Pandora historic shipwreck

* QUEENSLAND HISTORICAL ATLAS (QHATLAS)

TheQueenslandHistoricalAtlasisakeyprojectfortheCulturesandHistoriesProgramasitinvolves most curatorial staff and addresses all priority themes.

Description:

To mark Queensland’s sesquicentenary of self-government in 2009, Queensland Museum hasjoinedwithTheUniversityofQueenslandtodevelopandpresentanewconceptionofQueensland’sculturalandenvironmentalhistory.TheQHAtlasprojectisfundedbyanAustralian Research Council Linkage Grant. It will synthesise cross-disciplinary approaches in


history, environmental studies, archaeology, anthropology and cultural geography to explore ‘themesinthelandscape’asameanstocomprehendthediverseculturalandenvironmentalhistories of the State of Queensland.

QHAtlas will complement existing historical, geographic and environmental research by examining a set of themes that encapsulate in vivid human terms the interplay between people and place, between cultures and landscapes, between outlooks and physical settings that is a basic continuity in the human occupation of the State. It will re-comprehend Queensland’s history on a grand scale – spanning historical eras, cultural perspectives and diverse human activities.

SpecificResearchProjectswithintheCulturesandHistoriesprogramincludethematicessays:

• Memory Howpeoplerememberthelandscape

• Curiosity Knowledgethroughthelandscape

And double paged spreads within themes on specified topics including:

Quintessential Queensland

• Distinctiveness:Islands

• Distinctiveness:AboriginalQueensland

• Perceptions:MaritimeCharts

• Queenslanders:SouthSeaIslanders

Distance

• Movement:TravellingTimes

• Movement:Railways

• Movement:Cobb&Co

• Movement:Maritimetransportandports

• Pathways:Communications-telephones

• Pathways:Manufacturing-colonialindustries

• Pathways:Clothingtrade

Division

• Separation:Missions

• Conflict:Defendingthenorth

Dreaming

• Curiosity:ScientificexpeditionsonGBR

• Curiosity:MaritimeExploration

Development

• Exploitation:Mining

• Exploitation:Gold

• Exploitation:Culturallandscapes

• Survival:Missions

• Survival:Railways:Drought,Flood

• Survival:Shipwrecks

• Pleasure:Tourism-GreatBarrierReef

The Atlas will be linked with the school curriculum and will be further presented as an eAtlas as an educational resource. Wherever possible QM collections will be used to illustrate topics and themes.

TheQHAtlasprojectoffersanumberofstrategicallyalignedopportunitiesforQueenslandMuseum including:

• AreviewofcollectionsinalignmentwithacomprehensivenewhistoryofQueensland

• Developmentofexhibitionmaterial,includingtext,objectsfromthecollection,imagesandthematic context

• Photographicrecordsofsignificantobjectsinthecollection

• Topicsandthemessuitableforalignedpublicationincludingpocket-guidesonthemostpopular topics.

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