New Chair appointed to the fisheries RDC

Dr Elizabeth (Beth) Woods OAM has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) Chairperson.

Dr Woods has a wealth of experience, before her appointment to the FRDC she was an experienced governance practitioner with over 30 years’ experience in administrative and board roles, including as Director-General of the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Currently she is the Chair of the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences Council, and a Commissioner for International Agricultural Research at the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, said Dr Woods’ appointment was important as the FRDC finalises the priorities identified in their Research Development and Extension Plan for 2020–2025, as well as developing and implementing a new plan to be released in 2025.

“The fisheries sector is a vital part of Australian food production,” Minister Watt said.

“The calibre of the research and data coming out of FRDC ensures we can supply high quality, sustainably sourced seafood to Australia and to the world now and into the future.

"Fisheries management and policy is heavily science-based and Australia has some of the best managed fisheries in the world.

“But we need to continue investing in R&D to maintain our world-leading status.

“Dr Woods will guide investment and research efforts of the FRDC to ensure the continued sustainability of our world-class industries and address common challenges.

“I have every confidence that Dr Woods will provide the strong leadership needed to ensure the work of FRDC continues to directly benefit rural research and development in the fishing and aquaculture sectors.”

Dr Woods’ three-year term began on 3 June 2024.