Joint Media Release - Funding research to reduce severe hailstorm damage

The Australian Government will fund vital research that will provide home owners and the construction industry with valuable information on technologies and materials that can prevent hailstorm damage.

Senator for Victoria David Van today announced that the Coalition Government will provide $540,000 through the ARC Linkage Program to The University of Melbourne, who will work with industry partners to explore robust cladding to resist extreme weather events.

“This project will allow the Melbourne University to work with industry to develop technology to accurately assess the performance of aluminium cladding, glass facades and skylights under severe hailstorm events, and enable cost-effective design of robust cladding solutions,” Senator Van said.

“This funding comes at a critical time following the recent hailstorms across parts of Victoria and our nation.

“This research will benefit home owners, asset managers, insurers, and the building and construction industry, and help save billions of dollars in economic loss from hailstorm damage.

“It may also increase our export opportunities, and will help Australia gain a competitive advantage in the global market. 

Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the Coalition Government was investing in research and innovation that would benefit Australians.

“Our Government is investing in partnerships between universities, industry and government to drive the commercialisation of research,” Mr Tehan said.

“We are encouraging greater collaboration between universities and businesses on research innovation and workforce preparation.”

The University of Melbourne will receive over $1.4 million for three Linkage Projects.

The other projects include: $230,000 to document, preserve and investigate the history of Australian comics and graphic novels in partnership with the National Library. As well as nearly $630,000 to develop a novel low-cost and resilient approach to urban greening by investigating how Australian shrublands can be used as templates for woody meadows. 

More information on the ARC Linkages Projects can be found at https://www.arc.gov.au/grants/linkage-program/linkage-projects