News

• 2011-08-24 - Refugee finds opportunity at Bundoora building site

  
  

  Sierra Leone’s Jonathan Sesay has come a long way since he arrived in Australia in 2007 after spending five years in a refugee camp in bordering Guinea.
  
  Today Mr Sesay met the Minister for Major Projects Denis Napthine at the AgriBio facility, currently under construction at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus.

  With the help of construction company Grocon, the 25 year-old has completed his carpentry pre-apprenticeship and is now working on the $288 million project which is set to be one of the country’s most high profile research facilities.
  

  In 2002 Mr Sesay was forced to flee his country with his mother and sisters after the government was overturned and his father, an opposition politician, was executed by the Sierra Leone People’s Party in the country’s capital Freetown.
  

  While waiting for the opportunity to come to Australia, Mr Sesay worked in the camp building houses for three years to help support his family.
  

  Upon arriving in Australia Mr Sesay tried his hand at several jobs but it wasn’t until he was offered a construction role with Grocon in April 2009 under the company’s community employment program that Mr Sesay knew he had found his calling.

  "I knew when I started working with Grocon that construction was something I really wanted to do. The experience I had back home and in the camp really laid the foundations for what has been so far an exciting career,” Mr Sesay said.

  “I am so grateful to Grocon for giving me this opportunity and I have really enjoyed working on such a complex project like the biosciences facility.”
  

  This technically challenging agricultural science facility is made up of laboratories, glasshouses and controlled environment rooms that will house up to 400 agricultural science researchers from across Victoria when it opens early next year.
  

  Dr Napthine said he was in awe of all that Mr Sesay had achieved since arriving in Australia.
  

  “I can’t even begin to imagine what Jonathan has been through in his life, but it is just fantastic to see him happy and in a job that offers him great opportunity and the promise of a positive future,” Dr Napthine said.
  
  “Some Sierra Leonean refugees arrive in Australia with limited work skills, which makes vocational training opportunities and community skills programs like these all the more important.
  

  “Mr Sesay is an impressive young man and I look forward to following his progress as he embarks on his carpentry apprenticeship,” Dr Napthine said.
  

  AgriBio is a joint initiative of the Victorian Government, through the Department of Primary Industries, and La Trobe University and is being delivered by Major Projects Victoria. At the peak of construction there were more than 550 workers on site at AgrioBio
  

   

• 2011-08-23 - Victoria’s state-of-the-art research facility on track for completion

  Construction on Victoria’s new home of agricultural science, the $288 million Centre for AgriBiosciences, is running ahead of schedule and is set to become one of most sophisticated facilities of its kind when it opens early next year.
  

  Minister for Major Projects Dr Napthine was joined today by the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh in an inspection of the facility as it undergoes its final fit-out before technical completion.
  

  “This centre will lead the fight against plant and animal disease and protect Victoria’s $9 billion agriculture industry,” Dr Napthine said.
  

  “With more than 70 controlled environment rooms capable of simulating real world conditions for plant and pest research, AgriBio will be a tremendous asset for Victorian researchers and cement our reputation as a leader in agricultural science.
  

  “The building includes one of Australia’s largest physical containment level three suites. The pressurised ‘box within a box’ design of these suites will allow scientists to safely carry out industry-saving research on hazardous viruses.
  

  “On top of this the AgrioBio facility has achieved a 5 Star Green Star design rating, which means it will offer value for money by reducing running and operational costs over the next 25 years.
  

  “The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to protecting our vital agricultural industry and we have made sure this facility is tracking on schedule and will be ready for operation early next year,” Dr Napthine said.
  

  The Ministers inspected some of the building’s features, including a sophisticated gas fired tri-generator that powers the building and feeds energy back into the electrical grid. The waste-heat generated by the system will heat and cool the facility.
  

  Mr Walsh said the cutting edge research carried out at AgrioBio would create substantial productivity gains for Victoria’s food and fibre industries.
  
  "As one of Australia's premier biosciences facilities, AgriBio will give our food and fibre producers a competitive edge in global markets,” Mr Walsh said.
  

  “It will help them harness the latest scientific and technological expertise to achieve new productivity gains on farm.
  

  “The centre will lead the world in research on gene discovery in major plant and animal species, molecular breeding for drought tolerance and disease resistance and genetics related to plant and animal productivity and health.”
  

  La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Johnson said the new facility will foster opportunities for collaboration and enhanced education outcomes.
  

  “I am delighted to see the progress of this beautiful new building as it signifies the growth of new opportunities for science and collaboration between La Trobe researchers and world leading scientists,” Professor Johnson said.
  

  The facility will provide a new research home for up to 400 scientists and students from the Department of Primary Industries and La Trobe University.
  

  AgriBio is a joint initiative by the Victorian Government, through the Department of Primary Industries, and La Trobe University. It is being delivered by Major Projects Victoria as a Public Private Partnership under the Partnership Victoria framework.

• 2009-11-04 - Biosciences project on track

  The Brumby Labor Government’s $230 million biosciences centre project is on track to play a pivotal role in the rapid detection and eradication of animal and plant disease outbreaks.

  Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas was joined by Member for Bundoora Colin Brooks today to inspect construction of AgriBio, the Centre for AgriBioscience, in Bundoora.

  “The Brumby Labor Government understands the importance of investing in agricultural research and is building for the future by investing in job-creating projects like the Centre for AgriBioscience,” Mr Pallas said.

  “AgriBio will bring together the state’s top scientists and researchers in ‘super labs’ to centralise the state’s scientific and research effort.

  “Importantly this vital infrastructure project is also estimated to generate 390 jobs and inject around $620 million into the Victorian economy during construction.

  “The project is coming along well, with the new centre is expected to be fully operational in 2012.”

  Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said the joint initiative between the Brumby Labor Government and La Trobe University would deliver a unique multidisciplinary approach to researching issues of local, national and international importance.

  “The state-of-the-art centre will support the science necessary for state-wide response to disease outbreaks and infestations, as well as developing new drought free crops and other scientific advances to support the $11.8 billion agricultural industry,” Mr Helper said.

  Member for Bundoora Colin Brooks said the new centre would create vital flow-on benefits to Melbourne’s north, not only during construction but for many years to come.

  “AgriBio will accommodate up to 400 scientists, students and support staff from the Department of Primary Industries and the La Trobe University, as well as attracting world leading scientists,’ Mr Brooks said.

  Acting La Trobe University Vice Chancellor Professor Tim Brown said AgriBio would put Victoria at the forefront of innovation and agricultural research.

  “AgriBio will significantly contribute to the protection of agriculture from disease threats, improve primary industries' competitiveness and sustainability, and focus efforts on addressing challenges including climate change and drought,” Professor Brown said.

  In August this year the Brumby Labor Government announced a further 30 jobs would be created to build the $128 million Dairy Futures Cooperative Research Centre as part of AgriBio, to provide Victoria's dairy farmers with cutting-edge research to improve productivity and competitiveness.

• 2009-09-08 - Agriculture and jobs the winner at AGRIBIO

  A $230 million investment into scientific research continues to take shape in Victoria’s northern suburbs.

  At a community information session at Bundoora today, Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said the Biosciences Research Centre would now be known as AgriBio to better reflect the type of science coming out of the joint Brumby Government and La Trobe University initiative.

  “The Brumby Labor Government is standing up for Victorian jobs by investing in job-creating projects like AgriBio,” Mr Helper said.

  “The construction of AgriBio will create 390 jobs during construction injecting around $620 million into the Victorian economy.

  “Once operational in 2012 it will provide cutting-edge research to improve productivity, fight disease and reduce environmental impact to protect Victoria’s $11.8 billion agricultural sector.

  “Research at AgriBio will significantly contribute to the protection of agriculture from disease threats.

  “It will improve primary industries competitiveness and sustainability, and focus efforts on addressing challenges including climate change and drought.”

  La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Johnson said AgriBio would create a cutting-edge science hub in the beautiful natural setting of the University’s Bundoora campus.
   
  “This significant infrastructure will attract the world’s leading scientists and collaborators, and provide La Trobe’s researchers and students with access to the most advanced technologies,” Professor Johnson said.

  Member for Bundoora Colin Brooks said AgriBio would cement Melbourne’s north as a major science precinct, and would produce flow-on benefits to the local community.

  “AgriBio will bring together the largest agricultural research and development organisation in the state with one of the top universities in Victoria,” Mr Brooks said.

  AgriBio is a joint initiative of the Victorian Government, through the Department of Primary Industries, and La Trobe University and will be located at the University’s Bundoora campus.

  Plenary Research - consisting of Plenary Group, Grocon and Honeywell Services - will design, construct, finance and provide facility management services required for the operation of the facility over a 25-year period.

• 2009-05-27 - Work to start on $230 million biosciences centre

  Victoria’s $230 million Biosciences Research Centre is set to commence construction five months ahead of schedule, generating hundreds of jobs for the state, Premier John Brumby announced today.

  Mr Brumby was at the Bundoora site today to mark the start of construction and said the vital facility would put Victoria at the forefront of innovation and agricultural research.

  “This Government is investing in important infrastructure projects in tough global economic times that are not only secures jobs but building for the future of the state,” Mr Brumby said.

  “The Biosciences Research Centre will be a world-class centre for agricultural biosciences research and development and will boost Victoria’s ability to make important scientific discoveries.

  “This facility will stimulate economic activity in Victoria through investment in biosciences and biotechnology, while delivering research to boost productivity, fight diseases such as Equine Influenza and make Victoria’s farms even more sustainable.”

  “Importantly, the project is also estimated to generate 390 jobs during construction and inject around $620 million into the Victorian economy.”

  Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas said Plenary Research, comprising Plenary Group, Grocon Constructors and Honeywell Services, had been chosen to deliver the project.

  “This is yet another impressive achievement and demonstrates the confidence of the private sector in the strength of the Victorian economy,” Mr Pallas said.

  “This project will deliver a state-of-the-art facility that will provide internationally recognised research and development outcomes for the benefit of Victorians.”

  Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said the Biosciences Research Centre would be a landmark facility for Victoria’s $11.8 billion agricultural sector.

  “Victoria is a leader in protecting and working with our agricultural sector against biosecurity threats that provide a constant risk to our farming productivity,” Mr Helper said.

  “This important centre will help to further protect this sector by allowing us to rapidly detect and eradicate plant and animal pest and disease outbreaks. The Biosciences Research Centre will complement our $205 million Future Farming Strategy, which is delivering the services farmers need to take on today’s challenges and benefit from future opportunities.”

  The Biosciences Research Centre is a joint initiative of the Victorian Government and La Trobe University. To be located at the university’s Bundoora Campus, the facility is expected to be operational in 2012.

   

• 2008-08-13 - Tender shortlist announced for Biosciences project

  The final tender shortlist for the $230 million Biosciences Research Centre (BRC) was announced today by Treasurer John Lenders.

  Mr Lenders said three groups, Research Environments, Plenary Research and InfraNova had been asked to submit detailed proposals to deliver the new research centre at La Trobe University as a Public Private Partnership.

  “By working in partnership with the private sector we are delivering facilities at a lower cost to the Victorian taxpayer,” Mr Lenders said.

  “This important facility will deliver research to boost productivity, fight diseases such as Equine Influenza and make Victoria’s farms even more sustainable. It will also help to protect our $8.4 billion agricultural sector by allowing us to rapidly detect and eradicate plant and animal pest and disease outbreaks.”

  The three consortia are:
  • Research Environments - Brookfield Multiplex group companies and Hooker Cockram;
  • Plenary Research - comprising Plenary Group, Grocon Constructors, Kane Construction and Honeywell Services; and
  • InfraNova - comprising ABN Amro, Leighton Contractors and ISS Facility Services.

  Major Projects Minister Theo Theophanous said there was a good response to the call for registrations followed by a rigorous evaluation process leading to the short-listed consortiums.

  “The Biosciences Research Centre will strengthen Victoria’s international reputation in biosciences and bioprotection research and diagnostics and will stimulate economic activity in Victoria through investment in biosciences and biotechnology,” Mr Theophanous said.

  “This is a well-planned and defined project where the clients really understand what is required and know what they want. I am looking forward to seeing what the short-listed groups come up with to deliver this landmark facility for Victoria’s agricultural sector.”

  Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said the BRC project would enhance Victoria’s capacity to produce the highest quality agricultural research and development outcomes possible.

  “Collaborative research at the BRC will significantly contribute to the protection of agriculture from disease threats, improve primary industries competitiveness and sustainability, and focus efforts on addressing challenges including climate change and drought,” Mr Helper said.

  La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Johnson said the BRC was in line with the university’s strategic vision of producing high-quality and high-impact research that benefited the community.

  “This major initiative will enable the university to create critical mass for existing biosciences activities, enhance its educational, science and research profile, and provide staff and students with an opportunity to work on research of international importance,” Professor Johnson said. 

• 2008-05-01 - Registration call for Biosciences Research Centre

  The procurement process for the $230 million Biosciences Research Centre has begun with a call to the market for registrations of capability.

  Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said the centre would aim to deliver internationally recognised research and development science for the benefit of Victoria.

  “The Brumby Government is taking action to create jobs and this state-of-the-art facility will focus on cutting edge research to improve productivity, fight disease and reduce environmental impact,” Mr Helper said.

  “It will also enhance Victoria’s capacity for preparedness, rapid detection, response and management of plant and animal pest and disease outbreaks, which threaten the state’s $8.4 billion agricultural sector.

  “The Biosciences Research Centre is a joint initiative of the Brumby Government, through the Department of Primary Industries and La Trobe University. It will be built at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus.

  “The centre will be specifically designed with a working environment to enhance collaboration between scientists, and to facilitate a multi-disciplinary approach to issues of local, national and international importance.”

  Acting Minister for Major Projects Jacinta Allan said the project would be delivered as a public-private partnership under the Brumby Government’s Partnerships Victoria, with procurement and construction managed by Major Projects Victoria.

  “Considerable planning and preparation had gone into ensuring the project is market-ready,” Ms Allan said.

  “This is a well-defined project where the clients really understand what is required and know what they want. There is a clear governance structure in place and delivery is being handled by an experienced project management team.

  “This combination will deliver a high level of certainty for what will be a landmark facility of its kind.”

  La Trobe University Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Johnson said the Biosciences Research Centre would put the university within the top tier of Australian universities for science.

  “The Centre will boost the national and international profile of La Trobe,” Prof Johnson said.

  “We are delighted the BRC is being built on the Bundoora campus because it will also give students and staff new opportunities to collaborate with world-leading scientists.”

  The Registration of Capability document can be obtained by visiting www.tenders.vic.gov.au.