2.1
The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) seeks approval from the Committee to proceed with the proposed project, Expansion of the National Sea Simulator at the Australian Institute of Marine Science facilities near Townsville, Queensland.
2.2
AIMS works to ‘provide the research and knowledge of Australia’s tropical marine estate required to support growth’ of Australia’s unique ecosystems.
2.3
AIMS operates the National Sea Simulator (the SeaSim), a ‘unique, world-class research aquarium facility for tropical marine research’. The SeaSim was established in 2014, in which time it has proven its scientific value through the large volume of experiments undertaken, the quantity of peer reviewed publications produced, and the direct impact this research has on providing meaningful advice to stakeholders.
2.4
The objective of the project is to respond to an urgent need for expanded SeaSim research capabilities. This will ‘directly support significant research under the Reef 2050 Long term Sustainability Plan and the Great Barrier Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP)’.
2.5
The estimated project cost is $27.49 million (excluding GST).
2.6
The project was referred to the Committee on 17 June 2021.
Conduct of the inquiry
2.7
Following referral, the inquiry was publicised on the Committee’s website and via media release.
2.8
The Committee received one submission, and one confidential submission. A list of submissions can be found at Appendix A.
2.9
On 27 August 2021, the Committee held a project briefing, in-camera and public hearings via teleconference. A transcript of the public hearing is available on the Committee’s website.
Need for the works
2.10
As a one of a kind facility, AIMS provides the unique research capabilities required to support significant research under the Reef 2050 Long term Sustainability Plan and the Great Barrier Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program.
2.11
The SeaSim in its current form provides researchers with the capacity to conduct large scale, multi-generational studies in conditions which closely resemble conditions on the reef both now and in the future. This capability does not exist in any other facility in the world and is critical in supporting research into understanding if and how future generations of marine organisms are able to acclimatise and adapt to a changing environment.’
2.12
At the public hearing AIMS drew attention to the impact of SeaSim research:
Using science citation impact as an academic measure, we're rated as No. 1 in the world in the field of marine and freshwater biology. More importantly, our work underpins measurable economic, environmental and social benefits for the nation. A recent study by the Centre of International Economics estimated that AIMS science contributes more than $220 million per year in direct market benefits.
2.13
The ability of the SeaSim to meet these complex needs has seen it become a ‘world-leading facility attracting national and international marine science researchers from some of the world’s leading research institutes’.
2.14
AIMS explained that expanded facilities will double the SeaSim’s capability, allowing additional capacity to ‘solve challenges in Australia’s marine estate’. Further, this will allow the SeaSim ‘to meet demands of the Reef 2050 plan, which is the key management plan for protecting the Great Barrier Reef, the economic value that it delivers for Australia, its ecosystem and natural value and its World Heritage status’.
Options considered
2.15
AIMS considered the following options when assessing the proposed expansion of SeaSim research capabilities:
Option 1 – Do nothing: current and expected demands for research would not be met, negatively impacting research programs and desired outcomes.
Option 2 – Develop facilities at AIMS: extend current experimental area at AIMS, leveraging existing facilities, location and expertise. This is the lowest cost and preferred option.
Option 3 – Utilise facilities in a new location: no other comparable research facilities exist in Australia (none are known internationally).
Option 4 – Develop facilities at another location: this option is expensive, and there are no existing facilities in tropical Australia with access to high quality seawater.
2.16
AIMS considered Option 2, develop new facilities at the current AIMS location, to be the only viable option. AIMS made the point that:
No other sites exist that have the combination of access to high-quality seawater volumes along with access to the existing SeaSim team together with the co-location benefits of access to microbiology, genetics, and other high technology laboratories. Further, developing the facility at AIMS is the lowest cost, whole-of-life option given it leverages the existing sea water capabilities, as well as providing the co-location benefits arising from the existing operational expertise.
2.17
Option 2 leverages existing facilities available at the Cape Cleveland Site, 50 kilometres south-east of Townsville, and adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef. This option expands on capabilities, rather than the development of a greenfield site.
Scope of the works
2.18
The proposed works seek to expand the SeaSim capabilities at the existing AIMS site near Townsville, Queensland. Scope includes expanding outdoor and indoor experimental areas, additional controlled environment rooms, expanded science support spaces, expanded seawater processing systems, and services infrastructure upgrades. Works are outlined in further detail below.
2.19
SeaSim -Experimental Space and Science Support Space Expansions:
expansion of open-plan outdoor experimental areas by more than 200 per cent and open-plan indoor experimental areas by approximately 40 per cent;
up to 8 additional controlled environment rooms; and
expansion of science support spaces (such as offices, workshops and plant rooms) by 660 square metres.
2.20
SeaSim -Expanded Seawater Processing Systems:
expansion of the seawater processing shed and construction of a reverse osmosis shed; and
expansion of current seawater processing and plant systems based off current systems.
2.21
AIMS Site Services Infrastructure Upgrades:
completion of the High Voltage Ring Main;
installation of an additional cooling tower; and
installation of generators synchronized to mains power supply.
Consultation
2.22
In developing its plan for the works AIMS engaged with a broad range of stakeholders, research partners and collaborating institutions including; the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, Department of Education, Office of the Chief Scientist, numerous universities, and a number of research organisations around Australia.
Cost of the works
2.23
The project cost estimate for the proposed works is $27.49 million (excluding GST). This cost estimate includes ‘construction costs, professional fees, furniture, fittings and equipment, IT infrastructure and equipment, contingencies, and an escalation allowance’.
2.24
The National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy SeaSim Expansion grant covers $24.66 million of the project, and $2.83 million of internal capital funds covers the balance of costs.
Revenue
2.25
There is no expected revenue from the project.
Committee comment
2.26
The Committee acknowledged the unique nature of the facility and thanks AIMS for their comprehensive submission, and detailed presentation which was provided to the Committee in lieu of an in-person site inspection.
2.27
The Committee was pleased to learn that AIMS has sought feedback from, and engaged with a variety of stakeholders to ensure the facility supports a broad range of research requirements.
2.28
The Committee did not identify any issues of concern with the proposal and is satisfied that the project has merit in terms of need, scope and cost.
2.29
Having regard to its role and responsibilities contained in the Public Works Committee Act 1969, the Committee is of the view that this project signifies value for money for the Commonwealth and constitutes a project which is fit for purpose, having regard to the established need.
2.30
The Committee recommends that the House of Representatives resolve, pursuant to Section 18(7) of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, that it is expedient to carry out the following proposed works: Expansion of the National Sea Simulator at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland.