Melbourne home to new AgriBio research centre
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8 September 2009
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A $230 million investment into scientific research continues to take shape in Victoria’s northern suburbs and is due to be operational in 2012.
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The Biosciences Research Centre will now be known as AgriBio to better reflect the type of science coming out of the joint Victorian Government and La Trobe University initiative.
Victorian Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said research at AgriBio will significantly contribute to the protection of agriculture from disease threats.
“Once operational in 2012 it will provide cutting-edge research to improve productivity, fight disease and reduce environmental impact to protect Victoria’s $11.8 billion agricultural sector.
“It will improve primary industries competitiveness and sustainability, and focus efforts on addressing challenges including climate change and drought,” he said.
The construction of AgriBio will create 390 jobs during construction injecting around $620 million into the Victorian economy.
La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Johnson said AgriBio would create a cutting-edge science hub at the University’s Bundoora campus.
“This significant infrastructure will attract the world’s leading scientists and collaborators, and provide La Trobe’s researchers and students with access to the most advanced technologies,” Professor Johnson said.
Plenary Research - consisting of Plenary Group, Grocon and Honeywell Services - will design, construct, finance and provide facility management services required for the operation of the facility over a 25-year period. |
