PLANS for a new $6.7 million Animal Husbandry Precinct unveiled by the University of New England will enhance UNE’s reputation as one of the leading agricultural education providers in Australia.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Annabelle Duncan said the precinct would provide new state-of-the-art teaching facilities for more than 500 students a year.
“The facility will also house some of the best research and demonstration facilities in the country in the areas of anatomy, pathology, animal handling, surgery and breeding,” Professor Duncan said.
Design plans for the precinct have been completed ahead of schedule, meaning that a construction contractor is expected to be appointed as early as August this year.
Key features of the design include:
– Reconstructed poultry and sheep housing facilities, including purpose-built laboratory and quarantine areas;
– Laboratory areas are able to be sectioned off, and sealed, providing a single large work area or multiple smaller areas, complete with temperature, humidity, pressure and lighting controls;
– Purpose-built observation areas for teaching and demonstration;
– State-of-the-art environmental measures including air filtration, noise and pollution controls, water recapture and improved waste disposal;
– Refurbished animal housing and handling features compliant with Australian Standards and the latest animal ethics requirements.
Professor Duncan said the new precinct was the first part of UNE’s ambitious $46 million Integrated Agriculture Education Project, which received $29 million from the Commonwealth Government’s Education Investment Fund (EIF).
The EIF is an initiative to support projects that create or develop significant infrastructure in higher education institutions, research institutions and vocational education and training providers.
“We thank the Commonwealth Government for their assistance with this project which will ensure UNE can continue to meet the critical need for skilled professionals within the agricultural sector now and into the future,” Professor Duncan said.
