March 2010

Contract awarded!

The $39.1 million contract for the construction of the new laboratories and the refurbishment of existing laboratories was awarded to Hooker Cockram on 4 March 2010.

Hooker Cockram has extensive experience in laboratory construction and has recently completed a major laboratory complex for the University of Wollongong.   

This is a key milestone for the project and confirms the NSW Government's commitment to biosecurity.

The project team has since worked with Hooker Cockram on a plan to fasttrack the construction by building the new laboratories and refurbishing the existing laboratories concurrently. This will be achieved by establishing a temporary laboratory facility on the site so each existing block can be moved out of their block with minimum disruption while the refurbishment takes place.

This approach will bring the construction phase of the project in 12 months ahead of the original schedule. The first move (block 9) is scheduled for August.

A Premier event

NSW Premier Kristina Keneally and Minister for Primary Industries Steve Whan announced the contract and inspected progress at EMAI on 4 March 2010.

The Premier was impressed with the cutting-edge science undertaken by staff at EMAI and expressed her full support for the $56 million biosecurity upgrade.

Photo (left to right): Director Biosecurity Enhancement and Information Systems Barry Kay, Minister Steve Whan and Premier Kristina Keneally visit the works on 4 March 2010.

"This upgrade will provide the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute with the 21st century technology needed to protect our agricultural industry," Ms Keneally said.

"The new facilities will put NSW at the forefront of agricultural biosecurity research, protecting the livelihood of NSW and Australian farmers.

"Australia’s disease-free agricultural status gives us a competitive edge in the international markets, and this facility will help secure that.

"We stand ready to respond should a catastrophic disease ever reach NSW’s agricultural industry."

Mr Whan said the biosecurity upgrade would bring the 20-year-old EMAI facility up to the latest international laboratory standards and prepare NSW for the future.

"We have some of the world’s leading scientists based at the Institute, who diagnose, control and prevent animal and plant diseases, and improve Australia’s agricultural competitiveness.

"This upgrade will provide them with the technology and facilities they need to keep our agricultural industry as protected from disease as possible."

Early works complete

Earthworks, stormwater management and an electrical upgrade undertaken by Ford Civil have been completed and the ground is now ready for the main construction. This work was completed on time and within budget and will give the construction contractor a head start when they commence work on the site in April.