Deakin goes in deep
Marine study boost for Queenscliff
DEAKIN University will send more researchers to Queenscliff’s waters under a new partnership putting the region’s marine life into the national spotlight.
The State Governmentsupported expansion will boost Deakin’s existing marine science program and lead to fresh research opportunities, while also allowing for the creation of a Centre of Excellence for temperate water research in southern Australia.
Deakin staff will be based out of the existing departmental base near the town’s entrance, working together with the likes of Fisheries Victoria to share information and resources.
Deakin vice-chancellor Jane den Hollander made the announcement alongside Bellarine MP Lisa Neville yesterday, and said the move made “complete sense” to support two decades of previous work at the site.
“Deakin’s leading marine science program is the perfect partner for the facilities at the centre, with researchers ideally placed within reach from our marine sciences bases at Warrnambool and Geelong, through to Melbourne,” Pro- fessor den Hollander said.
Deakin’s current research — which runs through a consortium with other universities — includes sea urchin populations, aquaculture feed quality and seaweed culturing.
The partnership is also ex- pected to boost opportunities for research funding bids.
“Creating a Centre of Excellence for marine sciences at Queenscliff will be good for the Bellarine community, good for Deakin and good for the sustainable management of Vic- toria’s valuable fisheries resources,” Ms Neville said.
A university spokesperson said the move would not undermine operations at Deakin’s Warrnambool campus, which will continue to undertake research and offer studies.