Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh today announced a major upgrade of Victoria’s specialist pig industry facility which will enhance the profitability of pig producers
and help protect against the risk of disease outbreaks.
Mr Walsh said the $390,000 upgrade was further evidence of the Victorian Coalition Government’s strong commitment to boosting Victoria’s biosecurity capacity.
“This development of the Pig Specialist Centre in Bendigo affirms the Victorian Coalition Government’s commitment to the biosecurity of the pork industry and of the state’s livestock sectors more broadly,” Mr Walsh said.
“Under a memorandum of understanding with the Swine Industry Projects Advisory Committee, the Coalition Government will invest $120,000 to upgrade facilities at Bendigo this year, in line with the expanded role and functions of the centre.
“The Coalition Government has allocated a further $270,000 in 2014-15 as the new centre will double its staff as the project advances, increasing from the existing 4.4 FTE to 10 FTE.
This includes recruiting an additional experienced pig veterinarian and a manager of vaccine development as soon as possible.
“I thank the Swine Industry Projects Advisory Committee which will provide $250,000 a year for three years to the Centre, and I recognise the contribution of the Victorian Farmers Federation Pig Group which has advocated strongly on behalf of its members.
“The Pig Specialist Centre will significantly increase the level of support for the industry by providing diagnostic services and undertaking disease surveillance, and developing and producing new vaccines which may not be available from private companies.
“It will also invest in and develop new training activities focusing on biosecurity risk as well as research and development that has a clear and practical application for pork producers.
“The pork industry has an excellent animal health status and the Coalition Government is committed to working with industry on strategic initiatives to ensure our livestock industries continue to be well protected from disease threats.
“Labor failed to understand agriculture but in the last three and half years the Victorian Coalition Government has worked closely with industry and co-invested on strategic projects that will make Victoria’s farmers more productive and more profitable."
