Leaders across agriculture and academia are the key appointees to the board responsible for the development of a new integrated agricultural research institute in Western Australia.

Curtin University, Murdoch University, the University of Western Australia (UWA) and the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia are the inaugural partners forming the institute, which was first conceived in 2003. Board Chairman Wally Cox said the institute board was formally ratified today.

He said the board would oversee the implementation of the Cooperation Agreement that was signed by the partners in November last year and the development of a formal joint venture agreement. 

The Board comprises a representative of each partner, four independent members and an independent chairman.

Representing the partners are board members Prof Alistar Robertson, (Dean Natural and Agricultural Sciences, UWA); Prof Graeme Robertson (Director, Muresk Institute, Curtin University); Prof John Yovich (Vice Chancellor, Murdoch University); and Ian Longson (Director General, Department of Agriculture).

The independent members are Terry Enright (Chairman, Grains Research and Development Corporation); Bill Ryan, (CEO, Kondinin Group); David Bedbrook (Agricultural Consultant) and Kerry Sanderson (CEO, Fremantle Ports and ex Board Member of AWB Limited). Dr Cox is the independent chairman.

“The Board brings a powerful mix of skills and knowledge, covering all aspects of agricultural research and education, the agricultural sector - both on-farm and off-farm; and the management of related natural resources,” Dr Cox said.

Dr Cox said the Vice Chancellors and the Department expected the formation of a joint venture to be finalised by mid 2006.

“The institute will undertake a range of applied and basis research, focused on the needs the Western Australian agricultural sector, and funded by the Department of Agriculture, industry research funding organizations and the universities,” Dr Cox said.

“The Universities’ commitment will see post-graduate training supported within the institute. Undergraduate teaching will remain within the universities, but institute personnel will assist in the design and delivery of undergraduate course.”

The research budget for the institute is expected to exceed $90 million per annum.

Dr Cox said the Vice Chancellors of the partner universities and the Department were working together to develop an institute that would provide critical mass required for the State to attract major research funding initiatives on a scale not achievable by the partners acting individually.

He said the institute would work closely with DAWA, industry and other stakeholders to advance the development of both skills and technologies relevant to WA agriculture.

Researchers from the Department’s South Perth offices are expected to relocate to new facilities at the partnering universities’ main campuses from 2008 onwards.