Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
December 10, 2007
The Brumby Government has reached
agreement with La Trobe
University to build a $230 million world-class agricultural
Biosciences Research Centre in Bundoora.
The Minister for Agriculture,
Joe Helper, said the centre would open up new opportunities for
farmers by providing access to cutting-edge research to improve
productivity, help fight disease and reduce environmental
impact.
“The centre will focus new-generation biosciences research on
challenges including climate change and biosecurity
preparedness,” Mr Helper said.
“The work undertaken will improve Victoria’s international
competitiveness by developing new crop varieties focussed on
drought tolerance and bioenergy.
“It will also enhance our capacity for preparedness, rapid
detection, response and management of plant and animal pest and
disease outbreaks, which threaten Victoria’s $8.4 billion
agricultural sector.”
Up to 400 scientists from the Department of Primary Industries
(DPI), La Trobe University and private sector will work at the
centre, which will be ready for commencement of occupation by
the end of 2011.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Johnson said the
university was delighted to be working in partnership with DPI
and the Brumby Government towards developing a sustainable
Victoria.
“This major initiative recognises La Trobe University’s
international standing in biosciences research,” Professor
Johnson said.
“The Biosciences Research Centre will put the University within
the top tier of Australian universities, and will boost the
national and international profiles of both the University and
Melbourne’s north.
“The new centre will give La Trobe University students and staff
new opportunities to work with the world's leading scientists
within a state-of-the-art research facility.
“It will attract and retain leading national and international
scientists and collaborators, and further strengthen the state’s
international reputation for plant, animal and microbial
bioscience, bioprotection research and diagnostics.”
The Brumby Government’s $180 million funding contribution was
announced in the May budget. La Trobe University is contributing
$50 million towards the centre.
Other news
from
La Trobe University |
|
