April 24, 2008

Australian aquaculture research centre redevelopment to commence
 

The AUD 5 million (US$4.7 million) redevelopment of Australia's Bribie Island Aquaculture Research Station would soon commence.

The redevelopment is expected to commence in midyear, and it would ensure that Queensland would remain as an aquaculture research leader, said Tim Mulherin, minister of the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F).

The redevelopment will complement other state government knowledge-based research and business projects, while enabling the fisheries scientists to continue their research on a range of freshwater and marine species along with other national research agencies using modern facilities, according to Mulherin.

The new building would be equipped with technology such as recirculation systems that allow the re-use of both seawater and freshwater and renewable energy equipment.

The redevelopment would also use concrete and timber, which would make the building resistant to beach environment, therefore requiring less maintenance costs. The new building would also be housing up to 64 tanks with a 10,000 litres capacity; 30 glass aquariums; two temperature controlled experimental rooms; a 'wet' laboratory; a cold room; walk-in freezer; and quarantine area and other strict biosecurity features.

Construction is estimated to take 7-10 months, and the new facility is expected to be operational in early 2009.