B roll footage: https://commshub.csiro.au/resources/share/EX0Lal
Quotes attributable to Dr Doug Hilton, CSIRO CEO regarding the part-life refit of ACDP
For more than 40 years, the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness has enabled us to diagnose and categorise potential threats and research the world’s most dangerous pathogens, while maintaining the safety of our staff and the community.
In the 1960s, Australian vets started advocating for a facility like this, and it finally opened in 1985, backed by government and brought to life by expert designers and engineers, some of whom are represented here today.
They built this without today’s tools and software. The advanced engineering and box-in-a-box design was so far ahead of its time that even now, ACDP’s labs exceed the highest biocontainment requirements.
But after 40 years of service, it’s time to prepare ACDP for its next chapter through modern laboratories that can support leading science.
This part-life refit will ensure ACDP continues to serve Australia as a high-containment facility today and into the future. Advances in science and technology are transforming the way we can operate a facility like this.
Today, we’re launching Stage 1 of the refit, which will create the space needed for ACDP to remain fully operational while we refurbish existing labs.
ACDP plays a critical role in global biosecurity efforts, including providing diagnostic and capacity building support for our Asia Pacific neighbours.
Quotes attributable to Debbie Eagles. Friday 23 October
ACDP’s opening in 1985 marked a turning point in the capability and confidence in Australian science, biosecurity, and agriculture. For more than 40 years we have provided continuous steadfast assurance to government and industry through our remit as a national reference laboratory for emergency animal diseases.
While construction work is now underway outside, inside our secure building, our team is doing crucial work to support Australia’s response to H5 bird flu.
Our 24/7 diagnostic capability ensures the timely reporting of results that not only confirm the presence of the virus, but also determine where it’s come from and how it’s spreading. That information is critical for decision-makers who are planning and delivering the nation’s response.
Bird flu is notable now – but there have been many more over time. In 1994 CSIRO researchers here at ACDP identified the then-unknown Hendra virus. ACDP subsequently contributed to the development of a vaccine for horses that in turn protects the people who care for them.
Additionally, our involvement in the COVID-19 response, including the early testing of vaccines, one of the first in the world.
The new wing will modernise our diagnostic laboratories and capabilities, while building on the same containment principles as the existing facility.
ACDP operates 24/7 to keep Australia safe. It can only do this because of the work of our scientists, technicians, engineers, animal care staff, security operations, and all of our support staff, including the support from across CSIRO.
