Govt casts doubt over long-term research station funding
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The Victorian Government says it is not envisaging the future operation of the Mallee Research Station at Walpeup will be "business as usual", even if a farmer-backed group takes over.
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) plans to close the site at the end of next year, and the Minister Joe Helper met community groups and staff on Monday.
The Mallee Agricultural Research Foundation says it has identified funding from industry and sponsors to keep the station operating, but with the DPI withdrawing it now needs more money to meet the day-to-day running costs.
Mr Helper says the Government will call for expressions of interest from groups wanting to take it over, but long-term financial support is unlikely.
"We will work with [interested groups] and that may or may not involve financial support for organisations which want to put together a proposal for future utilisation of the site," he said.
"Do we wish to provide ongoing funding for the site? That's probably less likely."
