AGWEST's new Centre for Cropping Systems opens at Northam

11/8/99
Primary Industry Minister Monty House said today the opening of Agriculture Western Australia's new Centre for Cropping Systems at Northam was indicative of the Coalition Government's commitment to the future of the State's grains industry.
"Cropping advancements and technological developments supported by strong regional infrastructure will see the grains sector well placed to take advantage of new and expanding markets and opportunities into the next century," Mr House said.
"The state-of-the-art facilties in Northam will provide better services to agriculture and to support regional communities."
The new complex, built at a cost of $5.8 million, was showcased to the public following the official opening.
"Agriculture Western Australia currently employs about 60 staff at its Northam office. With the completion of the new Centre for Cropping Systems, there is now capacity to accommodate up to 120 to take account of the need for expanded services and growth in the future," Mr House said.
"The new building covers 3000sqm and incorporates an office wing on two levels, a 963sqm laboratory wing with five laboratories, four glasshouses and four controlled environment or 'growth' rooms."
The centre is part of a regional network with strong links to AGWEST's Crop Improvement Centre based at South Perth and the Dryland Research Institute
at Merredin. It is intended that synergies will be developed with universities that will see post graduate students based at the centre in future.
Mr House said Agriculture Western Australia's building program would be continued across the State to ensure that AGWEST was able to deliver a first class service from first class facilities.
"Regionalisation of agricultural support services continues to accelerate as we develop stronger partnerships with industry, communities and research organisations," Mr House said.
"Further steps in this direction will see more of Agriculture Western Australia's management, specialist research and development teams and corporate service functions located in regional centres."
Mr House said the Northam centre was already the management base for three of Agriculture Western Australia's key programs, Cereals, Pulses and Oilseeds and Sustainable Rural Development.
Media contact: Julie Cole (08) 9481 2044