A NEW $20 million biotechnology centre was opened in Bundoora last week, making the northern suburbs one of the top biotechnology locations in the state.

Victorian Premier Steve Bracks, who officially opened the state-of-the-art Victorian Agribiosciences Centre at the La Trobe University R and D Park, said it would cement the state’s reputation as an international biotechnology leader.

The announcement comes only weeks after a report recommended that northern suburbs municipalities play a key role in the growing biotechnology industry.

RMIT and La Trobe University in Bundoora both have significant ongoing research projects in Broadmeadows and Tullamarine.

“Biotechnology is emerging as one of the most important drivers of innovation and growth for 21st Century Victoria,” Mr Bracks said.

“The yield, quality and pest and drought resistance of our agricultural industry will depend increasingly on our understanding of the genes behind these traits and our ability to select for these traits.”

The VABC consortium includes La Trobe University, Bundoora, the Department of Primary Industries, RMIT University and Monash University.