Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan has welcomed the opening of the Grains Research Precinct in Perth today, which will accelerate scientific advancements that drive sustainable and profitable grains production in Western Australia.
The McGowan Government contributed $250,000 towards the $7.45 million precinct, alongside a $4.5 million Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Infrastructure Grant, $2.255 million from Murdoch University and $445,000 from Curtin University.
The state-of-the-art research facilities will augment Western Australian grains research across plant pathology, physiology, genetics and molecular biology, leading to the development of new, high performance crop varieties for the next generation.
The facilities feature eight high containment glasshouses, 0.9 hectares of irrigated, netted field plots and ancillary infrastructure at Murdoch University and a controlled environment facility at Curtin University.
The Precinct will provide a ‘hub’ for collaboration between academia and the public and private sectors to ensure WA’s valuable grains industry is at the forefront of global scientific advances in grains production so it can remain internationally competitive.
The new asset will complement the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s extensive grains research facilities and activities at Northam, Merredin, Esperance, Geraldton, Wongan Hills and South Perth, as well as field work with grower groups around the Grainbelt.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“This new addition to WA’s grains research facilities will boost the State’s scientific capacity and help support industry’s future sustainability and profitability.
“The Grains Research Precinct provides a platform to harness the skills, knowledge and experience from Murdoch and Curtin Universities, as well as our DPIRD scientists and other parties.
“The precinct adds to DPIRD’s work with Murdoch University in the Western Crop Genetics Alliance, Curtin University’s Centre for Crop and Disease Management, and our longstanding partnership with the GRDC.
“WA’s grains industry is an important contributor to the State economy, worth more than $6 billion per annum, so it is imperative our scientists are equipped with the scientific assets, tools and knowledge to optimise grains production and capitalise on market opportunities.
“Scientific investments like the Grains Research Precinct are essential to ensure WA’s grains industry remains at the top of its game so grain growers and industry can compete in an increasingly complex, dynamic global marketplace and secure enduring economic growth.”
