Research conducted at CSIRO’s Long Pocket laboratories results in direct and indirect benefits for Australia’s agriculture and environment.
In 1968, CSIRO established the Long Pocket laboratories (LPL) at Indooroopilly, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. In June 1969, the laboratories were officially opened by the Hon Malcolm Fraser, then Federal Minister of State for Education and Science and subsequently Prime Minister of Australia.
The LPL is situated on the banks of the Brisbane River approximately 15 minutes from the centre of Brisbane. The site consists of:
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glasshouses
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laboratories
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offices
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quarantine facilities.
Scope of activities
The Long Pocket laboratories were built as a joint research facility between CSIRO Entomology and CSIRO Animal Health to study cattle tick and associated diseases.
In the 1970s work began on the biological control of weeds and dung-breeding flies. Weeds researched included lantana, spiny emex and later aquatic weeds.
The expertise developed at Long Pocket Laboratories is in demand around the world in countries suffering similar problems.
We worked closely with an exploration station in Curitiba, Brazil until 1982.
CSIRO established an exploration station at Acapulco, Mexico in 1984 and relocated it to Veracruz in 1987. Researchers at the Long Pocket Laboratories continue to work closely with our colleagues in Mexico.
We also conduct research in temperate areas of South America in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) exploration lab at Buenos Aires.
Long Pocket laboratories also conducts research into Australia’s rivers and coasts and water resources for our growing population.
The Long Pocket site is also home to CSIRO’s Science Education Centre - the hub for CSIRO’s science education programs in southern Queensland, and the Lab-on-Legs program that takes exciting science shows and workshops to schools around southern Queensland.
Current activities
Current research at the Long Pocket laboratories results in direct and indirect benefits for Australia’s agriculture and environment.
Our activities include:
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biological control of insect pests
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biological control of weeds
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biosecurity
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computer modelling
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integrated pest management
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irrigation systems
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prediction of pest impacts
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water resources
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environmental statistics
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statistical modeling.
Collaboration
The LPL works closely with community and industry partners, both nationally and internationally, including:
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Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for National Plant Biosecurity
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CRC for Australian Weed Management
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CRC for Invasive Animals
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Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS)
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Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH)
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United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
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Northern Territory State Government
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Queensland State Government
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New South Wales State Government
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Western Australia State Government.
Capabilities
Skilled and experienced staff ensure excellent research capabilities for the most complex insect and weed problems.
Approximately 60 people are employed at Long Pocket laboratories, including research scientists, ecologists and technicians.
The capabilities of staff working at the laboratories include:
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pest and biological control agent risk assessment
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plant and insect population biology and ecology
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molecular, phylogenetics and molecular ecology
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water resources and irrigation
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insect and pathogen exploration
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insect and plant pathogen culturing
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integrated weed management.
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