A successful tenderer will soon be announced for the $5 million expansion of the Bribie Island Aquaculture Research Station, which will feature a state-of-the-art aquarium.
Australian Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) Minister Tim Mulherin said the new development, expected to start mid-year, would ensure that Queensland would remain a leader in aquaculture research.
"Our fisheries scientists will be able to continue their research into a range of freshwater and marine species in collaboration with other national research agencies using the most up to date facilities," he said.
The new building will house:
• Up to 64 tanks with a 10,000 litre capacity
• 30 glass aquariums
• Two temperature controlled experimental rooms
• A 'wet' laboratory
• A cold room
• Walk in freezer
• Quarantine area and other features to ensure strict bio-security.
Construction time for the redevelopment will be 30-40 weeks, and the new facility is expected to be operational in early 2009.
