Bulletin

Issue: June 2005

News

La Trobe to help create National Biosecurity Centre

La Trobe University has welcomed the announcement by the Victorian Government that funding has been dedicated to commence establishment of the National Biosecurity Centre in Victoria.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Osborne, said researchers from the University working in plant and animal sciences already collaborate most productively with their colleagues in the Victorian Department of Primary Industries. In recognition of this success, the University has encouraged the Department to enter into further collaborations at its main Melbourne campus at Bundoora.

Professor Osborne said he was pleased that the expertise which exists in the Biological Sciences at La Trobe University has been acknowledged.

'The choice of La Trobe as a partner in the development involving the Victorian Department of Primary Industries is a clear indication of the capacity of the University to contribute to critical research and development directed at enhancing and protecting the plant and animal industries so vital to Australia.'

With the involvement of other research organisations such as CSIRO in the National Biosecurity Centre, it is expected quickly to establish itself as one of Australia's premier science facilities.

In the recent State Budget, the Victorian Government announced more than $14 million in biosecurity initiatives to protect the State's agriculture industry and preserve Victoria's clean, green reputation. Agriculture Minister, Mr Bob Cameron, said the Government will commit $6 million to the National Biosecurity Centre in Victoria.

He said Victoria - the largest agriculture producing State, worth $8.7 billion last year, and the country's largest exporter of food and fibre products - was a leader in biosecurity research, diagnostics and animal and plant disease management, each of which are critical elements of bioterrorism protection.