- New $55.7 million facility in Jandakot to host WA primary industries research and development
- Additional 5.5-hectare plot at Wanneroo secured for field research trials
- Cook Government research investments are advancing WA agriculture sector to compete on global stage
The Cook Government will establish a new Primary Industries Research Centre at Jandakot to help future proof Western Australia's valuable agriculture and food sector.
More than $55 million will be invested to develop the 2.75-hectare site in the Jandakot industrial precinct to house the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's (DPIRD) research and development functions.
The completed facility will incorporate technical facilities, storage and office space for about 100 research and scientific staff.
It will support research, development and innovation spanning plant pathology, crop genetics, molecular biology, virology and agronomy.
In addition to the Jandakot facility, the Cook Government has secured a new 5.5-hectare site at Wanneroo for grain, pastures and irrigated agriculture field research trials to commence in 2026.
DPIRD currently leads more than 250 research trials focused on grains, pastures, livestock, aquaculture, horticulture and climate resilience across its metropolitan and regional locations.
In 2024, the Cook Government also opened the new State Biosecurity Response Centre in Canning Vale to manage increasing pest and disease threats to agriculture and the environment.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"This $55.7 million investment in research and innovation demonstrates the Cook Government's commitment to future-proofing our agriculture sector.
"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.
"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."
