- Crisafulli Government Budget delivers $1.8 million to construct a purpose-built glasshouse at Gatton.
- A further $2.7 million will be delivered in 2026-27 to complete the project.
- New facility to supercharge cutting-edge research in clean seed, virus detection and pest management.
- Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future, and a fresh start for Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering for the horticulture sector with investment into research infrastructure at the Gatton Research Facility.
It is one of the ways the Queensland Government is delivering for Queensland, with a plan for Queensland’s future.
A state-of-the-art, six bay glasshouse will be built to support research and development focused on protecting the future of Queensland’s food and fibre industries.
The $4.5 million dollar project will replace a 60-year-old glasshouse with $1.818 million allocated in the 2025–26 Budget to commence construction, and the balance to be delivered in 2026-27.
The glasshouse will feature separate climate-controlled bays, upgraded biosecurity systems and modern research capabilities to support high-value research.
The new glasshouse will be available for year-round use by the sweet potato, entomology and protected cropping research groups, as well as research partners and external clients.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the Crisafulli Government was delivering the fresh start Queenslanders voted for, exactly as promised.
“We are delivering a plan for Queensland by investing in a new facility we are ensuring Queensland remains a national leader in primary industries science and innovation,” Minister Perrett said.
“We committed to the future of farming in Queensland, and that means real investment towards real infrastructure to deliver real results.”
“We’re making sure our traditional vegetable industries stay strong by supporting the kind of research that delivers cleaner seed, better yields, and stronger biosecurity.”
“The former Labor government was out of touch with farmers’ needs and completely ineffective in addressing industry challenges and failed to invest in them.”
Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald said the Gatton Research Facility was an ideal location for the glasshouse.
“For the last 20 years, hard-working DPI staff have played an integral role transforming the $7 million sweetpotato industry into a $100 million global player, right here in Gatton.
Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) welcomes the Crisafulli Government’s investment in strengthening biosecurity capability in Queensland.
QFVG Interim CEO Joe Moro said the funding boost recognises the vital role the state’s biosecurity research facilities play in protecting and growing our horticultural industries.
“For decades, the research conducted at this facility has shielded the sweetpotato industry from significant threats while also creating new opportunities for business growth,” Mr Moro said.
“With this new investment, researchers will be better equipped to prevent the entry of harmful pests and pathogens into our supply chain—an effort that is crucial for safeguarding food production.”
The inclusion of climate-controlled, purpose-built rooms will also expand year-round access for other crops, providing much-needed protection as biosecurity risks continue to escalate across all sectors of horticulture.
Australian Sweetpotato Growers Inc said it was vital and timely investment that will underpin the next generation of research and innovation for the sweetpotato industry.
Executive Officer Bree Watson said growers contribute significant funds to research and development through the sweetpotato levy, and it is essential that these funds are matched with high-quality infrastructure to support effective research delivery.
“With 88% of national sweetpotato production coming from Queensland, this investment supports the heart of Australia’s growing regions and helps ensure our growers remain globally competitive, innovative, and resilient in the face of emerging challenges,” she said.
