A total of $5.8 million has been invested in the project, with the University of Melbourne contributing the remaining $3.3million.

The project is a joint collaboration between the Melbourne School of Land and Environment and the School of Engineering and therefore draws on the expertise of both agricultural scientists and engineers. The funding will support the work of University scientists and external experts across an integrated program of research into farming efficiency, innovative energy systems, water management and biodiversity monitoring.

“The University’s Dookie campus provides an ideal location to establish a research centre for agricultural and rural sustainability due to its range of commercially-viable farm enterprises and environmental assets, diversity of soils and vegetation, as well as access to an array of water and energy sources,” says Professor Rick Roush, Dean of the Melbourne School of Land and Environment.
 

“We will focus on testing climate variability adaptation and technologies in agricultural industries, including how to use water, energy and nutrients more efficiently.

“We are already preparing for phase one of the project, which has a focus on water efficiencies in agriculture, specifically in dairies as well as orchards and vineyards.  Later phases will address the improvement of energy and nutrient efficiencies in agriculture.” 

Professor Iven Mareels, Dean of the Melbourne School of Engineering says the project also aims to increase interest and participation among primary, secondary and tertiary students in cutting-edge agriculture and agricultural engineering. 

“The campus will see expanded uses in research, teaching and demonstration with the broader community, in collaboration with regional, national and international industries,” says Professor Mareels.

“The School of Engineering and the School of Land and Environment are collaborating to deliver real benefits to agricultural industries in the face of climate change and competing demand for scarce resources.”