The Western Australian Government has announced plans to establish a new Primary Industries Research Centre at Jandakot, with the aim of supporting Western Australia’s agriculture and food sector.
More than $55 million will be invested in the 2.75-hectare site, located in the Jandakot industrial precinct, to accommodate the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) research and development functions.
The facility will include technical spaces, storage, and offices for about 100 research and scientific staff, the government said in a news release.
It noted that the centre is expected to support research across a range of areas including plant pathology, crop genetics, molecular biology, virology, and agronomy.
In addition to the Jandakot development, the government has secured a 5.5-hectare site at Wanneroo to host grain, pastures and irrigated agriculture field research trials, scheduled to commence in 2026.
According to the government, DPIRD currently oversees more than 250 research trials across grains, pastures, livestock, aquaculture, horticulture and climate resilience at both metropolitan and regional sites.
Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said the new investment reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the state’s primary industries.
“This $55.7 million investment in research and innovation demonstrates the Cook Government’s commitment to future-proofing our agriculture sector,” Ms Jarvis said.
“The important research undertaken by DPIRD scientists has long provided benefits to WA producers and our economy, and the Primary Industries Research Centre and the new field trial site will bolster DPIRD’s research capacity,” she said.
Jarvis added that the facilities will complement the State Biosecurity Response Centre in Canning Vale, which opened earlier this year to address growing pest and disease risks.
“Together with the new State Biosecurity Response Centre these new facilities will help capture the benefits of next generation science and innovation and ensure WA’s primary industries remain internationally competitive,” Jarvis said.
