Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies Stage 2 Success

A milestone in the development of the Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies (QCAT) was the Queensland Government’s decision to fund the planned Stage 2 expansion of the facility. CSIRO and the Queensland Government have been negotiating the terms of the proposed expansion since 1995. In the May 1997 budget the Government allocated $24.43 million to the expansion as part of a total $78 million boost to high technology in Queensland.

Of the funds allocated to QCAT, $22.43 million will be used by CSIRO to provide new laboratory space, office and process bay accommodation, a technology transfer building to house associated industry companies and staff, and upgraded site infrastructure. The remaining $2.0 million represents a grant to help meet the costs of transferring staff and equipment from other CSIRO interstate sites to QCAT.

QCAT has developed an enviable reputation as a world class research Centre and provider of outstanding science and engineering. Well designed buildings, modern equipment and an attractive work environment have all contributed to this, but nothing could have been achieved without the input of the highly skilled and motivated staff.

QCAT now accommodates 250 people. The expanded Centre will have facilities for 360. The combination of skilled people, new buildings, leading edge equipment and an attractive working environment will ensure that the total QCAT Stage 2 package will provide a timely boost for the expansion and diversification of research and development in the mining, energy and related manufacturing industries in Queensland and the country as a whole.