More funding invested in research projects

The Morrison government has announced a number of new projects it is investing in under its Cooperative Research Centres Projects.

The government has committed a total $289 million in funding under its CRC-Ps initiative since 2016, which aims to strengthen Australian industry and create 1.25 million new jobs in the next five years.

Under round eight of the initiative, six critical minerals projects will share $11 million, which include unlocking new ways to produce materials for advanced batteries, including batteries which could power trams.

"Developing Australia's critical minerals industry is vital to Australia's economic growth and these projects recognise the enormous opportunity to create new jobs," Industry, Science and Technology Minister Karen Andrews said in a statement on Sunday.

A further nine projects will share more than $25 million to industry challenges, including one which will make food more climate resilient.

Almost $20 million will be invested in nine projects aimed at reducing plastic waste and boosting plastics recycling.