The Defence Science and Technology Organisation’s nutrition research facility at Scottsdale in Tasmania is to undergo an $18.7 million upgrade.

 

The works include the redevelopment of food technology facilities, upgrades to existing chemistry and nutrition laboratories and improvements to site infrastructure and working areas.

 

Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon said the redevelopment will result in a modern food science facility equipped to meet the future nutritional needs of ADF personnel and support their performance in highly demanding operational environments.

 

The redeveloped Scottsdale site is part of an initiative to establish a new Centre of Food Innovation in which the University of Tasmania and the CSIRO are partnering with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO). The centre will focus on high-tech nutrition and survival foods for high performance athletes and defence personnel.

 

The Federal Government recently announced $150,000, matched by the University of Tasmania (UTAS) for a business plan to develop commercial opportunities for the proposed Centre for Food Innovation.

 

Regional Development Minister Simon Crean said the business plan will identify how this latest investment, as well as the partnership in the Centre for Food Innovation can leverage further investment and create more long-jobs in the broader community.”

 

Construction works will begin this year with an expected completion date in late 2014. The contract for the project has been awarded to Australian company Cockram Constructions.