Announcement – Natural Resources and Environment, retrieved 31 July 2023
Grove feasibility study tenders open
Tenders are currently open to supply services to determine the need for, and feasibility of, the use of Grove Research Station (Grove), in the Huon Valley.
One potential application proposed by Fruit Growers Tasmania is the establishment of a Temperate Fruit Improvement Centre that supports the growth of the state’s fruit industries and businesses; complements existing research, development, demonstration and extension (including adoption) undertaken locally, nationally and internationally; and which is financially independent and viable. The Improvement Centre could also be used as a site for facilitating extension and adoption by practically demonstrating research and development outcomes and the adaptation, testing and evaluation of new technologies under local conditions at a quasi-commercial scale.
The Consultant will discover and consolidate information and undertake appropriate analysis necessary to provide professional advice on the potential for an Industry Improvement Centre at Grove with specific reference to the following.
Part A – Status of Tasmanian Fruit RD&E
1. The status of current and future likely needs of Tasmanian fruit growers to support industry growth and sustainability and the profitability of growers across the spectrum of Research, Development, Demonstration and/or Extension (including Adoption).
2. An assessment of current temperate and cool temperate fruit Research, Development, Demonstration and/or Extension (including Adoption) undertaken nationally and locally and identification of any gaps and opportunities that support the needs identified at 1.
Part B – the feasibility of Grove as an Industry Improvement Centre
3. Whether there is a role for, and the feasibility of, Grove operating as an industry improvement Centre.
If it is deemed Grove would be the best solution for an Industry Improvement Centre, then:
4. suggest operating model/s using examples of other entities currently operating nationally and internationally
5. identify options for who might lead the setup and operation of an Improvement Centre
6. determine viable opportunities for partnerships, collaboration, and co-investment
7. review the current infrastructure at Grove and its suitability
8. if capital investment is required, provide an approximation of scope and finance required
9. provide an indicative annual operating budget.
If it is deemed Grove would not be the best solution for an Industry Improvement Centre, then:
10. suggest alternative uses of the property to support the vision to grow the value of Tasmanian agriculture to $10 billion by 2050, if any
11. identify opportunities for partnership, collaboration, and co-investment in delivering benefits to the Tasmanian fruit industry, and broader agricultural sector generally.
Tenders must be lodged by electronic lodgement at www.tenders.tas.gov.au by 2pm, on Friday 11 August.
Documents are available from the Tenders website or by contacting Tim Napier, phone 0460 642 224 or email [email protected].
