Monash University’s new Green Chemical Futures building is providing exciting new opportunities for collaboration and innovation in Australian research and manufacturing, Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association (PACIA) CEO Samantha Read said today.
The building was officially opened today by Senator the Hon. Scott Ryan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education and Training.
Ms Read, also a Monash University alumnus, said the new 5-Star Green Star-rated facility would help to foster the partnerships between research and industry that are critical to securing competitive advantage for Australia’s economy.
“Collaborative innovation in science and industry is key to driving advanced manufacturing, improving products and processes and contributing to sustainable economic growth into the future,” Ms Read said.
“The chemistry industry is proactively seeking opportunities to encourage growth and competitiveness by joining forces with Australia’s research community. This is vital to realising our vision of a manufacturing industry that secures long-term benefits for the economy, society and the environment.
“This aim was reinforced by a report commissioned by the Office of Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb, and released last week. The report found that advanced physical and mathematical sciences contribute around $145 billion per year to the Australian economy, or about 11 per cent of GDP. The flow on effect is double that figure at $292 billion each year.
“We are proud of this opportunity to build on our successful partnership with Monash University, CSIRO and EPA Victoria, and acknowledge the valued funding provided by the Federal Government through the Education Investment Fund.”
GCF will house over 100 chemists and engineers delivering targeted, industry-driven scientific research and outcomes across 17 specialist sectors. It will include training programs for industry practitioners and new laboratory spaces for over 1,000 students and 100 industry partners
Media contact: Krista Imberger – [email protected] or 0439 318 290
Released 31 March 2015
About PACIA
PACIA is the national voice for the strategically significant $45bn Australian chemistry industry, the second largest manufacturing sector in the country. The industry employs more than 64,000 people and adds more than $11.5bn to GDP in industry value add. Ranging in size from small family-owned businesses to national and multi-national enterprises, PACIA members include chemicals manufacturers, importers and distributors, logistics and supply chain partners, raw materials suppliers, plastics fabricators and compounders, chemicals and plastics recyclers and service providers to the industry. Read more about us at: chemistryaustralia.org.au.
