New Berrimah Farm laboratories beef-up Territory biosecurity
A new laboratory has given the Territory’s biosecurity response capacity a boost. Read what’s new.
Business
Don't miss out on the headlines from Business. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Territory’s biosecurity infrastructure has been boosted with the opening of the combined science services building at the Berrimah Farm science precinct.
The official opening of the $15.5m facility by Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley brings to an end a five-year, $45m overhaul of the 60-year-old science centre.
First announced in 2019 by the previous Labor government, the redevelopment included significant upgrades to all four buildings on site, with the Territory’s first eDNA laboratory included in the combined science services centre.
Mr Maley said for the first time, this would provide Territory boffins with the capacity to identify diseases from air or water samples.
The other labs provide scientists with the capacity to quickly detect plant and animal diseases and identify new pests that could harm the agriculture industry.
Representatives from the NT Cattlemen’s Association, Amateur Fishermen’s Association NT, NT Farmers Federation, the Seafood Council, the Road Transport Industry Association and Livestock Exporter’s Association attended the launch.
Mr Maley said the upgraded facilities would support the new Government’s plans to expand agriculture and aquaculture in the Territory.
“Agriculture and fisheries are the lifeblood of our regional economies, and the CLP government is focused on rebuilding our economy through sustainable development and new industries,” he said.
In addition to the combined science services building, the precinct has multiple
laboratories and a specialised biosecurity containment level 3 laboratory. The only one of its
kind in northern Australia, the facility was jointly funded by the Australian Government.
“Agriculture and fisheries are the lifeblood of our regional economies, and the CLP government is focused on rebuilding our economy through sustainable development and new industries,” he said.
In addition to the combined science services building, the precinct has multiple
laboratories and a specialised biosecurity containment level 3 laboratory. The only one of its
kind in northern Australia, the facility was jointly funded by the Australian Government.
Mr Maley said primary industries are worth $1.3bn annually to the Territory’s economy and are responsible for thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
He said the Berrimah Farm science precinct would continue to provide vital facilities to support growth and resilience within the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
“The $45 million upgrade to Berrimah Farm science precinct provides additional capacity to
respond to biosecurity incursions and conduct vital research to strengthen our reputation as a
major producer and exporter of quality food and fibre,” Mr Maley said.
“I look forward to seeing these laboratories filled with highly skilled scientists and technicians
who are equipped to continue protecting the Territory’s agriculture and fisheries sectors while
undertaking important research to meet the growing needs of these industries.”
Next stop, Darwin: When local traders can expect cruise surge
The Territory’s cruise ship sector has resoundingly bounced back from the dark days of Covid-19, posting record visitor numbers in 2023-24, with even larger take-up expected in the coming year.
CLP’s plan for new prisons, work camps in major NT corrections roll-out
The Country Liberal Party has matched its tough talk on crime with a new plan to increase the number of Northern Territory corrections beds by up to 1000 over the next four years.