Published Tuesday, 05 June, 2007 at 02:30 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
RESEARCH FACILITIES AT TOP OF $25.7M DPI&F CAPITAL PROGRAM
The capital expenditure program for DPI&F in the 2007-08 Queensland Budget is worth $25.7 million with the main focus on the continued development of world-class research facilities, Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said today.
“Our research is providing Queensland primary producers with tremendous benefits in a wide range of areas, whether it is developing grains that grow well in drought conditions or combining the right genes to produce fruit with a longer shelf life,” Mr Mulherin said.
“But we must provide our teams of researchers with the kinds of buildings and equipment they need to do this work and that commitment to excellence continues with the funding in the 2007-08 Budget.
“DPI&F has an integral role to play in helping to ensure that the food produced in Queensland is as good as it gets and that primary industries continue their role as a major export earner.”
The highlights of the capital program include:
• $4.9 million has been allocated to continue the Queensland Crop Development Facility (QCDF) which is a strategic collaboration between the DPI&F, Queensland University of Technology and UQ. QCDF will provide world-class high-security glasshouses and in-vitro growth facilities for plant science research.
• $0.94 million has been allocated to assist sustainable fisheries research staff to relocate to the Bribie Island Aquaculture Research Centre. This will provide a world-class facility for combined fisheries and aquaculture research. The project includes more efficient and integrated infrastructure including new seawater tank facilities.
• $2.4 million has been allocated to relocate the Nambour Regional Office to the Maroochy Research Station. The co-location of staff will allow for better provision of DPI&F services locally and in the region.
• $0.55 million has been allocated to develop a new laboratory in Oonoonba to maintain the high level of accreditation of laboratories in Northern Queensland.
• Additional funding of $0.54 million has been allocated to replace the Coen Information Centre. This centre was significantly damaged by Cyclone Monica and is a vital facility for providing surveillance against pests that may arrive in Australia from countries to the north.
• Additional funding of $4 million ($5 million over two years) has been provided to relocate the Tick Fever Centre specific pathogen free breeder herd from Wacol over the next three years.
In addition, there is a significant amount of minor works and plant and equipment upgrades to be done on Departmental facilities around the State.
Media: David Potter 32396530, 0409 305 662
Budget Brochure – pdf file available
“Our research is providing Queensland primary producers with tremendous benefits in a wide range of areas, whether it is developing grains that grow well in drought conditions or combining the right genes to produce fruit with a longer shelf life,” Mr Mulherin said.
“But we must provide our teams of researchers with the kinds of buildings and equipment they need to do this work and that commitment to excellence continues with the funding in the 2007-08 Budget.
“DPI&F has an integral role to play in helping to ensure that the food produced in Queensland is as good as it gets and that primary industries continue their role as a major export earner.”
The highlights of the capital program include:
• $4.9 million has been allocated to continue the Queensland Crop Development Facility (QCDF) which is a strategic collaboration between the DPI&F, Queensland University of Technology and UQ. QCDF will provide world-class high-security glasshouses and in-vitro growth facilities for plant science research.
• $0.94 million has been allocated to assist sustainable fisheries research staff to relocate to the Bribie Island Aquaculture Research Centre. This will provide a world-class facility for combined fisheries and aquaculture research. The project includes more efficient and integrated infrastructure including new seawater tank facilities.
• $2.4 million has been allocated to relocate the Nambour Regional Office to the Maroochy Research Station. The co-location of staff will allow for better provision of DPI&F services locally and in the region.
• $0.55 million has been allocated to develop a new laboratory in Oonoonba to maintain the high level of accreditation of laboratories in Northern Queensland.
• Additional funding of $0.54 million has been allocated to replace the Coen Information Centre. This centre was significantly damaged by Cyclone Monica and is a vital facility for providing surveillance against pests that may arrive in Australia from countries to the north.
• Additional funding of $4 million ($5 million over two years) has been provided to relocate the Tick Fever Centre specific pathogen free breeder herd from Wacol over the next three years.
In addition, there is a significant amount of minor works and plant and equipment upgrades to be done on Departmental facilities around the State.
Media: David Potter 32396530, 0409 305 662
Budget Brochure – pdf file available