Glen Innes research centre future uncertain: MP
Posted
The state MP for the New South Wales Northern Tablelands, Richard Torbay, says he is worried the Government might shut down the Department of Primary Industry's (DPI) Glen Innes Research Centre because of low staff levels.
There will only be one worker at the Glen Innes Agricultural Research and Advisory Station because the Department of Primary Industries is not replacing a researcher who is retiring.
The Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, has committed to continuing the pasture and livestock research at the station.
But Mr Torbay says the centre has an uncertain future if only one person works there.
"I think when you have the critical mass down to one person, there are other partnerships going on there which I think are important, but I do worry that it's death by a thousand cuts and then all of a sudden keeping a facility open with one person becomes a difficult argument to justify," he said.
The head of science and research with the DPI, Nick Austin, says research will continue at Wagga Wagga and with remaining staff at Glen Innes.
He says additional staff will be appointed in Tamworth and Armidale.
"For example, through the Primary Industries innovation centre which is located out of Tamworth and Armidale with the National Centre for Rural Greenhouse Gas Studies," he said.
"We're in process making a joint appointment with the UNE [University of New England] for a new professorial position in that area."
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