Raymond De Lai
Centre Manager
Herbert Resource Information Centre (HRIC)
Australia

Abstract
HRIC - Public Private Partnership in the Australian Sugar Industry

The Herbert Resource Information Centre (HRIC) is an example of a successful Public Private Partnership (PPP) that provides access to shared geospatial information, tools, and expertise to partner organisations and the local community. The HRIC collaborative joint venture is located in Ingham, a sugar cane town, in northern Australia. The HRIC was established in 1996, and since that time partners have included: Australian Government (CSIRO - Division of Sustainable Ecosystems); Queensland State Government (Department of Natural Resources and Mines); Local Government (Hinchinbrook Shire Council), sugar industry organisations Wilmar Sugar Australia; CANEGROWERS - Herbert River District; Herbert Cane Productivity Services Ltd; BSES Ltd and a community-based natural resource management organisation (Terrain NRM). The role of the HRIC is to source, collate, analyse and share geospatial information. It aims to improve the access to geospatial information for the HRIC partners and community, and help them with their capacity to use that information in GIS. HRIC also aims to identify opportunities for its partners to work together. This partnership has delivered many significant economic, environmental and social benefits and is well regarded for an agricultural enterprise GIS solution. Key to the success of the HRIC has been the development of a shared vision in an environment of trust, commitment, cooperation and innovation. It is this focus and alignment of strategy, people, process and technology, and enhanced relationships that have allowed HRIC to deliver significant value. 2015 is the last year of HRIC, a strategic partnership and PPP that will have endured for 19 years. The HRIC GIS solution is transitioning to the individual partner sites with the current partners of HRIC committing to continue geospatial information sharing and cooperation. Drawing on experience and knowledge gained from close to two decades of managing the HRIC, the presenter will share on how the HRIC was formed, the journey, key success factors and tips for a successful PPP that delivers geospatial services to an agricultural community.