THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
GEOFF LYONS
Member for Bass
MECC 39/2011
Monday, 14 February 2011
MEDIA RELEASE
NEW FOOD INNOVATION CENTRE ON DEFENCE MENU CARD
The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon today
foreshadowed a new partnership focused on establishing a joint Research Centre in
Food Innovation.
The Research Centre will draw on facilities and expertise from the University of
Tasmania, CSIRO’s Division of Food and Nutritional Sciences and the Defence
Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO).
“The Research Centre in Food Innovation would be able to support and enhance the
research activities at DSTO Scottsdale which provides a dedicated food science and
technology capability for Defence,” Mr Snowdon said.
“The new centre, together with the redevelopment of the Scottsdale facility, is
expected to significantly enhance DSTO’s ability to provide the ADF with state-of-theart support on nutrition and feeding strategies.”
“It will draw on the synergies between DSTO, CSIRO and UTAS to develop novel
approaches to nutrition and food science that will benefit the performance of ADF
personnel as well as the needs of the wider Australian community.”
Mr Snowdon was speaking at the opening of the International Symposium on
Defence Nutrition in Scottsdale (northern Tasmania) where experts from Australia,
USA, Norway, New Zealand and Singapore have gathered to discuss strategies for
the future development of military nutrition and food science.
“This symposium provides an opportunity to address critical nutrition issues such as
the potential for high pressure processing to produce safe, long-lasting, tasty and
nutritious foods for combat rations, and the use of nanotechnology for ‘smart’
packaging of ration items,” Mr Snowdon said.
Outcomes from the symposium will inform the program of the proposed food
innovation centre.
Mr Snowdon said the new centre could allow Scottsdale to grow research capabilities
in food science and technology, provide access to a broader pool of experts, and
foster an enriched science environment for staff.
“The Australian government is fully committed to the growth of DSTO Scottsdale as a
modern food science facility for the benefit of the Australian Defence Force,” he said.
“On a broader level, the new centre could provide significant benefits for the local
agricultural industry, local manufacture of ingredients, small business development in
Tasmania and employment opportunities.
“It is likely to be a win-win result for the three organisations involved, but also for
industry and the Tasmanian economy,” said the Member for Bass, Geoff Lyons.
Media Note:
Images of the event can be found at:
http://adfmedia.smugmug.com/Snowdon/201102141863/15829396_2ufRe#11868362
48_FVsWY
Media Contacts:
Alice Plate (Minister Snowdon):
Carmen Eastley (Geoff Lyons)
Steve D’Arcy (DSTO)
Defence Media Operations:
0400 045 999
0400 551 940
0419 991 909
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664