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Minister signs-up for innovative centre

February 10, 2005

Ian McDonald NSW Minister sign.jpgA new centre aimed at delivering innovations in the agricultural and forestry industries is one step closer with the signing of an agreement at the University of New England today (February 10).
NSW Primary Industries Minister, Mr Ian Macdonald, signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Booloominbah with Professor Ingrid Moses, Vice-Chancellor of UNE which establishes the Primary Industries Innovation Centre (PIIC).
The signing was witnessed by the Chancellor of UNE, Mr John Cassidy and the Director-General of NSW Primary Industries, Mr Barry Buffier.
Mr Macdonald (pictured, with Professor Moses) said: "This joint venture strengthens the links between the NSW Department of Primary Industries and UNE.
"The Centre will see scientists, extension officers and educators from both organisations working together to deliver the best possible result for our State's farmers, particularly those in the North-west of NSW."
Talks to set up the Centre actually began in the late 1990s, Professor Moses told guests at the official signing and launch.
"This centre will foster and drive interaction between personnel at several UNE faculties and the Department of Primary Industries," Professor Moses said.
Today's signing and launch brings together professionals from the Armidale Beef Industry Centre of Excellence, Tamworth Agricultural Institute and the Glen Innes Centre for Perennial Grazing.

About 80 people attended the event, including Mr Richard Torbay, Independent Member for the Northern Tablelands, Mr Barry Buffier, Director-General of the DPI, Mr Mike Curll, Deputy Director-General of the DPI, Dr Helen Scott-Orr, Director, Health Sciences and Strategic Alliances and Professor Peter Flood, UNE Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development).
The Primary Industries Innovation Centre will be based at UNE. Mr Macdonald said it would help the region's 7500 farming properties, which provide employment for about 8000 people in NSW and contribute $8 billion to the economy.
Some of the projects scientists hope to research when the Centre is open include:
* New tools for selecting superior livestock
* Greater drought tolerance and improved pasture persistence and productivity
* Ways to reduce greenhouse production from livestock
* Improving water use by developing best-practice farming and grazing techniques
* Consulting with regional Catchment Management Boards and other agencies to achieve greater management of soils, water, vegetation and biodiversity.
Mr Macdonald told guests he was proud of the long-term partnership between UNE and the DPI and thanked Mr Cassidy and Professor Moses for their part in the new Centre.
"UNE is one of the most respected agricultural institutions in Australia," he said.

Posted by Lydia Roberts at February 10, 2005 01:10 PM