$68.5 MILLION FOR NEW FACILITIES AT CSIRO
10 May 2005 MINBUD 42/05
Leading edge research will be further enhanced at
the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
(CSIRO) with today’s announcement that CSIRO will invest $68.5
million in new building and upgrade works.
This major investment includes:
- relocating CSIRO’s Atmospheric Research and CSIRO
Manufacturing and Infrastructure Technology to CSIRO’s major
Victorian site at Clayton;
- building a new Bioscience Laboratory building at CSIRO
Entomology in Canberra; and
- expanding the CSIRO Minerals facilities at Waterford in Perth.
Consolidating the two CSIRO Divisions at Clayton
will promote more collaborative research and reduce current
operating costs. The consolidation will also enable greater
collaboration with Monash University and industry in the
neighbouring science and technology precinct.
The new Bioscience Laboratory at CSIRO Entomology
will boost key biotechnology research in order to address
environmental issues. Issues to be investigated will include the
invasiveness of species, such as the cane toad, and areas of insect
physiology that may, for example, lead to the production of enzymes
that can be used to clean up pesticides in the environment. The new
laboratory will also help foster collaborations with the adjacent
Australian National University.
The investment at Waterford will contribute to the
Minerals and Chemistry Precinct being jointly developed between
CSIRO, Curtin University and the Western Australian State
Government. The research will continue to improve national and
international minerals processing practices, including development
of sustainable minerals extraction processes. The Waterford group’s
research places increasing emphasis on efficient whole-of-mine
processing aiming to lower environmental impact while increasing
productivity.
The Waterford site facilities will accommodate an
expected growth in staff from a current level of 75 to 100 by
2008-09.
This $68.5 million furthers CSIRO’s commitment to
maintaining its leadership in world class science and innovation and
is part of a $1.78 billion investment by the Howard Government in
CSIRO for the 2004/05 to 2006/07 funding period.
Media Contacts:
Dr Nelson’s Office: Yaron Finkelstein 0414 927 663
Dept of Education, Science & Training: Virginia Cook 0412 971 323
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