Darwin CSIRO Closure A Setback For Northern Territory

The closure of the CSIRO's agriculture research station in Darwin is clear evidence that the Howard Government is only paying lip service to support for a vibrant agriculture sector in Australia's north.

With the drought biting in much of the continent there has been a renewed focus on opportunities in the north where rainfall is generally more reliable.

The development of these opportunities will depend on quality research.

Research needs to focus on key practical issues such as maximising crop yields, the efficient use of available water, and on pest and disease management.

This needs to be done by working closely with local farmers, as well as Territory and State Governments, to develop sustainable and profitable farming systems for the conditions in Northern Australia, especially in the Northern Territory and adjoining parts of Western Australia.

The decision to close this facility exposes the hypocrisy of key Howard Government representatives, such as Trade Minister Warren Truss and Senator Bill Heffernan, who have recently been talking up opportunities for agricultural expansion in the north.

Northern Territory taxpayers, who have contributed $1 million for the establishment of the CSIRO laboratories at Berrima, will have every right to feel they are being short changed by the Howard Government.

Rather than close CSIRO Darwin, the Howard Government should be upgrading the facility and ensuring that it is better placed to play a key role in the further development of agriculture across Northern Australia.

2006-10-19