- New State Biosecurity Response Centre fast-tracked to protect WA from pest and disease outbreaks
- $83 million allocated for diagnostics and laboratory infrastructure and critical biosecurity functions
The Cook Government has taken urgent steps to secure new facilities for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the State's crucial biosecurity operations.
A new 'State Biosecurity Response Centre' has been earmarked for emergency management of priority pest and disease threats such as the critical polyphagous shot-hole borer response.
The Response Centre will also accommodate the department's Diagnostics and Laboratory Services which were disrupted due to asbestos management and restricted access at DPIRD's South Perth site.
Suitable metropolitan locations have been identified for the new centre which is expected to be operational within months.
The State Government has fast-tracked $83 million to urgently procure and fit-out diagnostic laboratories and biosecurity response operationsat the new centre.
Work on a new fit-for-purpose facility for DPIRD at Murdoch University will not proceed as planned, but the Cook Government remains fully committed to providing a scientific base for DPIRD with the previously allocated $320 million budget.
The project has been reviewed in light of the immediate needs for alternative accommodation for DPIRD to resume business operations and its future needs.
The Government acknowledges the significant effort and contribution of all parties to date to deliver this project with strong collaboration from Murdoch University.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"The ongoing management and maintenance of facilities at DPIRD's South Perth site is no longer feasible and we have acted quickly to provide suitable alternative sites for critical biosecurity operations.
"The State Biosecurity Response Centre is expected to accommodate more than 200 staff with dedicated areas for an Emergency Management Local Control Centre, biosecurity operations and Diagnostics and Laboratory Services.
"Providing a safe and functional workplace for our scientists and biosecurity response staff is a priority and we will continue to do everything we can to get these facilities up and running."
