Research and innovation crucial to region

22 May 2008

The Sunraysia Mallee Economic Development Board (SMEDB) express their concern and disappointment in the federal decision to close down the CSIRO Plant Industry laboratory at Merbein based purely on cost cutting procedures, and without considering the value and positive outcomes that have been achieved.

SMEDB believe that the expertise held by staff at CSIRO in Merbein is essential to the growth of horticulture production the region and that the small saving achieved by closing the Merbein facility is a pittance in comparison to the benefits received.

Regional areas, and in particular the Mildura region, rely on access to quality research and innovative solutions to ensure that farmers remain on the cutting edge.

Andrew Millen, CEO of SMEDB said “The industry bodies have invested substantially in research projects undertaken in conjunction with the expert scientists based at CSIRO in Merbein and this is a definite blow to them.”

“It is quite clear that without the CSIRO in Merbein it will be more difficult to gain access to quality research and new varieties, something that will impact on the region’s ability to bounce back when the horticulture outlook improves.”   

“The Board will work with the industry bodies to lobby for the continuation of research and development services in this region,” Mr Millen concluded.

John Irwin, Chairman of SMEDB states that Prime Minister Rudd trumpeted his knowledge nation as a centrepiece of his election campaign.

“The elimination of a vital research institution makes a mockery of such a pronouncement.  Research is at the highest end of education and it is this which determines Australia's future and which makes the nation competitive. It is widely acknowledged that the greatest challenges in the future to the world are global warming and sourcing basic foodstuffs,” said Mr Irwin.

“Australia's competitors are dedicated to the creation of new and better varieties in every aspect of horticulture. It defies logic why any Government would deliberately destroy the competitive advantage which Australia currently has in the research fields of grapes and citrus,” continues Mr Irwin.

The question must be asked as to why this decision to discard the CSIRO facility at Merbein is necessary? Australia is experiencing unprecedented growth and has a budget surplus which is partly due to the wealth created out of the farming sector. Investment back into this industry is just as critical today as ever.

That sector of the farming community which relies on research from the CSIRO must be shocked, particularly given that this community already has to display its resilience in the face of a drought, a strong Australian dollar and market fluctuations, none of which they have any control over. 

Mr Irwin concluded “It must be abhorrent to stand there and listen to a Government make a decision which any politician would know can only have an adverse impact to not only the regional economy but in the long term the national economy.”