The Queensland Government has signed an agreement with The University of Queensland (UQ) to establish Australia's most modern dairy research facility at Gatton.
UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield said the dairy deal would enable the construction of a $6.9 million research and learning facility at UQ Gatton, opening new opportunities for UQ students and staff as well as industry.
"When combined with more than $100 million in new and upgraded veterinary facilities and the $33 million Centre for Advanced Animal Science (funded by the Queensland Government and UQ), it continues to transform UQ Gatton into one of the Southern Hemisphere's best precincts for animal science learning and research," Professor Greenfield said.
"It is also an important addition to a UQ-DEEDI partnership, which focuses on outcomes for industry."
The capital improvements will cater for a larger herd of 250 milking cows and give Queensland a modern dairy research and teaching facility.
The Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said as part of the Fresh Approach Initiative, the State Government and UQ would invest $3.45 million each to upgrade dairy facilities at the UQ Gatton campus.
"The new facility will enhance research and enable the state's dairy industry to be even more productive and profitable," Mr Mulherin said.
"This new facility will be developed in the Lockyer Valley, closer to amenities that support the enhancement of the industry.
"The new facility will bring together the expertise and knowledge of our scientists and researchers with that of university staff and students, which will broaden our scope of research across a wider range of disciplines.
"Improving the profitability of dairy through better feeding will be a specific focus of research at the new facility, with other projects looking at forages, pastures, crops and animal nutrition.
"This is part of the government's commitment to growing the state's dairy industry.
"The annual value of milk production is $290 million per year, and we are hoping that improved collaborations between UQ and the Department of Employment Economic Development and Innovation's (DEEDI) scientists will provide increased benefits and value for the Queensland dairy industry.
"Some of our current research and extension has already had a significant impact that is particularly relevant in a changing climate.
"For example, through a partnership with the Queensland Dairyfarmers' Organisation's Dairy and Fodder Water for Profit program our staff team has helped the Queensland Dairy and Fodder industries to save more than $70 million dollars through improved water use efficiency and productivity gains."
Queensland Dairyfarmers' Organisation president, Brian Tessmann said he is looking forward to the new dairy research facility being established to deliver leading edge research, development and extension outcomes for the northern dairy industry.
"This new facility will be a key foundation for the sustainable future of our industry," Mr Tessmann said.
Construction of the new facility is expected to begin next month, with DEEDI staff and services moving in during 2010.
For more information about the new facility visit ww.deedi.qld.gov.au
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