Rebuild on the horizon for local research centre

Plans well underway to redevelop fire ravaged Struan Research Centre in the Limestone Coast

Work is underway to prepare for the rebuild of the Struan Research Centre near Naracoorte, following the devastating fire (pictured below) that occurred in November last year.

South Australian Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven (pictured inset said PIRSA was assessing the infrastructure needs for the centre to ensure that rebuilding will meet the future needs of research at the site which is a vital government research and development facility for the agricultural and livestock industries.

The fire destroyed parts of the facility, parts of the centre’s office and some scientific equipment. While there was some damage to a small number of unprocessed research samples and farm records, most of the centre’s research had been digitised and was therefore unaffected.

“While last year’s fires were devastating, however will provide an opportunity to take a fresh look at how the facilities at Struan can best meet the ongoing research and development needs across the ag sector,” Minister Scriven said. “The Struan Research Centre is an important part of the Limestone Coast community, and the broader agriculture industry in South Australia.”

Following the fire, PIRSA staff at the site were promptly moved to other parts of the facility, including within the historic building Struan House (pictured above), to ensure that their important work could continue.

PIRSA is now working closely with staff on a needs analysis to inform the planning for the rebuild, which will occur once the insurance claim is finalised. This will ensure that the Struan Research Centre meets the ongoing needs of government and agricultural industries.

“I appreciate the resilience of staff at Struan who have worked hard to continue their important tasks during this difficult time. Their input will be invaluable in planning for the rebuild,” Minister Scriven said.

“I look forward to the completion of the insurance claim to enable the rebuilding to commence, ensuring the Struan Research Centre continues to hold its place as a renowned research and development facility.

The Struan Research Centre includes the AgTech Demonstration Farm, and research conducted at the Centre has a focus on ag tech, crop agronomy, revegetation, cattle, and sheep genetics, grazing management, meat production and quality, animal welfare and behaviour and livestock nutrition.