A joint initiative by the University of Melbourne and Monash University, in partnership with the Australian Government, will enable the $27 million development of the Point Nepean Research and Education Field Station.
The Australian Government is investing $17 million to establish a nationally significant centre dedicated to exploring the intersections of the coastal environment, climate, science, history, culture and community engagement.
University of Melbourne and Monash University have co-invested $10 million in the facility, which will serve as a hub for research, teaching, and public programs that connect people with the unique natural and cultural heritage of Point Nepean on the Mornington Peninsula.
University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Mark Cassidy said deep respect for the site's important cultural significance had been central to every stage of the project.
"The University of Melbourne has a deep commitment to and strategic focus on embedding Indigenous research and knowledges into our work and operations, and accelerating our research impact across climate, sustainability and ecosystem health for the benefit of society," Professor Cassidy said.
"By partnering with the Australian Government and Monash, in consultation with Traditional Owners, we can combine Traditional knowledges with our significant investment, research strengths and education expertise to deliver positive impact to our communities across Victoria, Australia and the world."
Monash University Provost and Senior Vice-President Professor Tim Dunne said the Station will enable valuable opportunities to address the global challenges of our time.
"Monash has an unwavering commitment to realise social and technological change for the aspiring communities and industries around us," Professor Dunne said.
"The Point Nepean Research and Education Field Station allows us to further embed ourselves socially, culturally and economically within our local communities, which will be critical to this mission of achieving positive, generational change.
"We are proud to partner with Traditional Owners, the University of Melbourne, the Australian Government and local community partners to build the Field Station in a location with such a unique marine and coastal environment.
"Once complete, the Field Station will enable immersive experiences for students, excellent field research outcomes and provide a meeting place for community engagement."
The University of Melbourne and Monash University have undertaken extensive measures to protect and manage cultural heritage under the approved Cultural Heritage Management Plan, developed in close consultation with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation as the Registered Aboriginal Party.
Following years of collaborative planning, regulatory work, and extensive consultation, the project has secured all key planning and heritage approvals.
The Field Station will be developed through the adaptive re-use of an existing heritage building at Point Nepean.
Kane Constructions has been appointed as the building contractor for this landmark development. Construction will begin this month with the facility expected to be operational by 2028.
The facility will also include a new purpose-built short-stay accommodation building for up to 50 visiting researchers, students and Field Station users.
