The Hon Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health
The Hon Sussan Ley MP, Minister for the Environment
The Morrison Government is investing $25 million for the construction one of the world's great marine and oceanographic research and education centres on the historic site of the Quarantine Station Precinct at Point Nepean, Victoria.
The four-year grant agreement has been finalised with the University of Melbourne, in collaboration with Monash University, to build the National Centre for Coasts, Environment and Climate.
Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP welcomed the announcement, expressing strong support for the centre.
"I have fought passionately over many years and alongside many members of the local community to revitalise the old quarantine buildings in Point Nepean National Park for a marine research centre, and I am delighted that this long-held vision is now a step closer," Mr Hunt said.
"This project brings a long-term, sustainable environmental use to the buildings, two higher education institutions to the Mornington Peninsula and a world-class marine and coastal research facility to Victoria and Australia."
"It is my deeply held belief that in decades to come, the National Centre for Coasts, Environment and Climate will become one of the world's great marine and oceanographic research centres."
The centre will champion interdisciplinary research on marine and coastal ecosystems, climate science and environmental management, with its location at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay ideal for researchers to observe ocean, coast and atmospheric conditions.
Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said the universities will focus on environmental and cultural sensitivities of the Point Nepean precinct and will listen and work closely with the local community as the project develops.
"The potential of the facility to contribute to greater public understanding of the ecological and cultural treasures of Point Nepean is also something the universities will be exploring," Ms Ley said.
The universities are now in the process of developing a business case and proposal in partnership with Parks Victoria and all levels of government, that aligns with the Victorian Government's masterplan for the Quarantine Station Precinct.
