New institute to lead climate change research

Last week's opening of the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment at the University of Western Sydney provides Australia with a world-class research institute to tackle the impacts of climate change.

In opening the facility, Senator Chris Evans, the Minister for Science and Research, said the Federal Government had invested $40 million to establish the institute, which will transform climate change research in Australia.

The new facility will provide Australia with the capacity to undertake cutting-edge research on a scale that will help place Australia at the forefront of the response to climate change.

The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment will act as an international research hub for academics, research students and technical and professional staff collaborating to find solutions to climate change impact.

In 2012, the Government will invest more than $480 million in the University of Western Sydney for research, science, teaching and learning-an increase of almost $200 million since 2007. This includes $40 million to establish the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment through the Education Investment Fund.

The University of Western Sydney also contributed $15 million for the project.