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State Govt gives WA agriculture hub a temporary home

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, October 5th 2025 at 23:31 GMT by The West Australian
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DPIRD’s “One‑Stop” Plan: A Closer Look at Perth’s Split Sites and Upcoming Moves

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has long been a cornerstone of Western Australia’s agricultural and regional‑development agenda. Yet for years it has operated from a patchwork of premises across the Perth region, with staff dispersed between the central Perth office, the Jandakot facility and the Wanneroo site. A recent series of announcements from the DPIRD – most prominently those tied to the Jandakot and Wanneroo locations – has reignited public interest in how the department will move forward, and whether the “split‑site” model can persist in the coming years.

1. The Current Landscape: Why DPIRD is Split

DPIRD’s headquarters sits in the historic building at 200 St Georges Terrace, Perth, where the state’s top officials – from the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development to the Secretary of the Department – convene on a regular basis. However, the department’s legacy also includes a substantial footprint at Jandakot, where a long‑running “Agri‑Research Centre” houses laboratories, breeding facilities, and a dedicated agricultural advisory team. At Wanneroo, the department maintains a smaller office that serves as a liaison hub for regional farmers and community organisations.

This split has historical roots. The DPIRD was originally a conglomerate of a number of smaller, more specialized agencies – the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Conservation and Land Management, and others – each with its own physical base. While the departmental merger in 2016 promised a more integrated service, in practice the offices remained largely unchanged. “It was a logistical decision – the Jandakot labs and the Wanneroo liaison unit serve different audiences,” says former DPIRD spokesperson, Peter O’Brien.

2. The 2023 Announcement: Jandakot to Close, Wanneroo to Merge

In August 2023, the DPIRD released a public notice that the Jandakot facility would cease operations by the end of 2024. The decision was motivated by a combination of factors:

• Cost optimisation – Maintaining two large labs was proving expensive. “We can achieve the same research capacity in a modernised facility that consolidates equipment and expertise,” the DPIRD cited.
• Digital transformation – The department’s “Data‑Driven Farming” initiative will need a single digital hub to better support remote consultations and real‑time crop monitoring.
• Staff redistribution – Approximately 40 scientists, technicians and support staff will be relocated to the Perth HQ or to a new purpose‑built facility in East Perth that is currently under construction.

The announcement also highlighted the Wanneroo site’s future role. Instead of closing, the DPIRD plans to merge the Wanneroo office into the Perth HQ as a “regional outreach” sub‑unit. Employees there will remain onsite, but will be integrated into a single command structure, streamlining decision‑making and reducing duplication of administrative functions.

The press release was accompanied by a detailed timeline:

• Q3 2023 – Finalisation of the Jandakot closure plan.
• Q1 2024 – Transfer of staff and resources to Perth HQ and East Perth lab.
• Q3 2024 – Official opening of the consolidated research hub.
• Q4 2024 – Transition of the Wanneroo liaison unit into the new structure.

The DPIRD emphasised that the move would not affect service delivery to farmers. “Our field officers will continue to visit the same regions, and our online portals will remain fully operational,” the statement read.

3. Linking to the Bigger Picture: Government Restructuring and Rural‑Development Goals

The DPIRD’s site realignment is part of a broader Western Australian government agenda that has sought to streamline departmental functions across the state. A related link in the article directed readers to a government press release on the “Rural‑Development Blueprint 2024–2029.” This blueprint outlines several key objectives:

• Digital Agriculture – Aiming for 90% of rural enterprises to have digital tools by 2030.
• Research Consolidation – Merging overlapping research functions to avoid silos.
• Sustainability Targets – Integrating climate‑adaptation research into all departments.

These objectives align with DPIRD’s shift from a split‑site model to a more integrated, data‑centric framework. Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Dr. Emma Lacey, in her interview with The West, noted that “the consolidation will give us a single point of contact for farmers, simplifying both advisory and funding processes.”

4. The Human Angle: Staff, Community, and the Transition

The closure of Jandakot and the re‑organisation of Wanneroo have stirred emotions among staff and local communities. Dr. Lisa Murray, a senior agronomist at Jandakot, said that the “sense of community will be lost, but the research itself will only get stronger.” She highlighted that the new East Perth facility will be equipped with the latest genomics equipment and a climate‑resilient greenhouse.

In Wanneroo, regional farmers have voiced concerns about potential delays in service provision. A representative from the North‑West Farmers’ Association requested a dedicated liaison officer to maintain a consistent line of communication. DPIRD assured that the new structure would allocate a “regional outreach officer” who will travel to key farming communities on a scheduled basis.

5. Future Outlook: What the New Site Means for Perth and WA

With the consolidation, DPIRD intends to foster innovation hubs that link academia, industry, and government. The new East Perth facility will feature a Bio‑Innovation Centre, designed to accelerate the commercialization of new crop varieties and pest‑management solutions. Additionally, the DPIRD will launch a “Digital Farm Academy” aimed at training farmers on precision agriculture tools and data analytics.

These initiatives are expected to bolster Western Australia’s standing as a leading producer of wheat, barley, and horticultural produce, while also aligning with the state’s economic diversification strategy. As the department moves from a fragmented network of sites to a cohesive, technology‑driven operation, stakeholders across the state will need to adapt to new communication channels, appointment systems, and service protocols.

6. Bottom Line

The DPIRD’s decision to shutter Jandakot and re‑structure Wanneroo under a single Perth umbrella signals a major shift in how Western Australia will manage its primary‑industry affairs. The changes, driven by cost‑efficiency, digital transformation, and a desire to better serve regional communities, underscore the state government’s commitment to modernising public services. While the move will be met with mixed feelings among staff and farmers, the long‑term benefits – streamlined service delivery, cutting‑edge research, and stronger support for WA’s agricultural sector – are likely to outweigh the short‑term inconveniences.

For now, the department is setting a precedent for how legacy agencies can evolve in the 21st century, balancing heritage and innovation while keeping the farmer at the heart of its mission.