The McGowan Government has set aside $320 million to build world-class biosecurity and research centres to safeguard and grow the State’s primary industries for future generations.
A new metropolitan facility for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will be developed on Murdoch University’s Perth campus, with contemporary laboratory and technical workspaces for around 350 workers.
Premier Mark McGowan said it is a once-in-a-generation project that will benefit WA and its primary industries for decades.
“This will be a modern facility delivering world-class science, which will strengthen our biosecurity capability and access to valuable export markets into the future,” Premier McGowan stated.
According to the Premier, it will aid in keeping WA’s farmers on the cutting edge of science, thereby supporting their vital contribution to our state.
“The Murdoch location provides an opportunity to build on the existing research relationships the department has with all WA universities to deliver great research, scientific excellence and innovation in agriculture and food production,” the Premier added.
The new facilities will replace antiquated and interim laboratory facilities currently in use in South Perth, many of which date back to the 1950s, with the new permanent facility set to open in 2027.
The investment supports the WA Government’s efforts to revitalise agricultural research and development in the state and provide robust biosecurity in response to increased global pest and disease threats.
The facility will be built on 11.3 hectares of land at Murdoch University, in the campus’s south-east corner, within an existing agricultural sector.
It will include the following:
- Innovative speciality laboratories and supporting technical workspaces to promote biosecurity, market access, and primary industry research and development;
- An operational centre for incident and emergency management;
- A glasshouse complex that includes glasshouses, shade houses, and other facilities; and
- Plots of land for on-site research.
Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said WA’s primary industries contribute a substantial economic contribution to WA, particularly the regions, with a value of $11.7 billion and expanding.
“Research and Development has been critical to supporting our farmers to increase profitability with ongoing climate challenges,” Minister MacTiernan stated.
Minister MacTiernan added that biosecurity hazards are developing quickly as the world becomes increasingly linked. She said WA must have the greatest tools to defend the industry.
“This is a long-awaited move which will deliver long-lasting benefits for the State’s agrifood industries across biosecurity, research and development,” the Minister stated.
The State Government will also strive to make room at the facility for critical strategic partners like the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre and InterGrain.
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