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Funding places doubt over research facility future: IngramFunding problems have cast doubt over the future of the SEAMEC/RMIT Marine Education Centre on Bullock Island, Lakes Entrance. By Craig Ingram - 16th May 2006 - Back to News "Gippsland East MP, Craig Ingram, says the state-of-the-art training and research facility was only opened in July 2004, but he has been advised that RMIT is unable to provide two resident scientists and a technical staff member with anything beyond a one year contract.
"I am sure RMIT University would like to see the facility self-sufficient on project and research funding in the short term, however this goal has been compromised with the establishment set backs, which, in turn has hampered the scientists in seeking and receiving funding.
"It is therefore essential that the facility be supported for at least the next two years, to allow the facility and staff to be fully established.
"The service provided so far has been most valuable to the scallop industry and fisheries management.
"With the uncertainty of their positions, it is highly probable that these scientists will be lost to other organisations, offering longer contracts and better security. We cannot afford to lose the services of these highly skilled scientists.
Accordingly, I have written to the State and Federal Governments and to RMIT requesting that this situation be addressed as a matter of urgency and funding options be sourced to ensure that this vital research work into fisheries and aquaculture can continue," Mr Ingram said.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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