Postharvest complex and renovations opened at Gatton

A new $1.4 million post harvest office and laboratory complex at the DPI's Gatton Research Station and renovations to UQ Gatton's Postharvest facilities were officially opened at the DPI's Gatton Research Station today.

The new facilities were jointly opened by the Minister for Primary Industries and Rural Communities, Henry Palaszczuk MLA, and Professor Ted Brown, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Queensland.

Mr Palaszczuk said construction of the new complex followed a 1998 external review of postharvest activities in his department's Queensland Horticulture Institute for the strategic evaluation of the best locations for research and opportunities for joint activities with the University of Queensland.

"That review recommended significant opportunities for cross discipline research and collaboration with the university and that sections of the postharvest group be located at Gatton to concentrate on developing and maintaining markets, market access and improving postharvest procedures to meet consumer demands on the environment and food safety."

"This opening of this new building and the refurbishments at UQ Gatton are the result of extensive cooperation and considerable effort by staff from both organisations and procurement of significant resources to create a world class team able to work in top class facilities." Mr Palaszczuk said.

The complex houses a biochemistry laboratory, facilities and offices for DPI and University postharvest staff and post graduate students, additional accommodation and a conference room.

Professor Brown said that the main focus was on post-harvest research and development, with current activities including non-chemical disinfestation of produce, and improving shelf life for export products. As part of the total of $1.4 M spent on the joint project, a new stand-alone conference room has been coordinated with the buildings at Gatton Research Station, to service the needs of DPI, University and industry groups.

Professor Brown said that the post-harvest laboratories and cool rooms on the adjacent Gatton Campus had been renovated and upgraded, to provide shared facilities for the postharvest research teams.

He said that by gathering leading scientists from UQ and DPI, Queensland was in a strong position to become world leaders in postharvest technology. Professor Brown said that the group at the joint facility was already the largest team of postharvest researchers and teachers in the state.

Mr Palaszczuk said that postharvest research being conducted by eight DPI staff transferred to Gatton included extending the shelf life of leafy vegetables and developing low cost fruit and vegetable disinfestation systems.

Mr Palaszczuk said while it was early days in the life of the joint unit, already there was significant research being conducted, with obvious benefits from combining resources and skills, co-location of other departmental and university staff and resources, and close proximity to the large Darling Downs/Lockyer Valley horticultural community."

Further information Kirby Anderson Minister media Adviser 0418 197 350