The expansion of the insectary facilities will enable the reseach infrastructure capacity of ACRI to meet the increasing demands of the Industry for entomology research. This is important given the evolution of practices and the increasing reliance on IPM strategies. An increasing focus on IPM and the need for good information on resistance has prompted the need for updated facilities. An application was made to CRDC to assist with funding the building of a new insectary to compliment and expand the existing facilities. This grant was successful and was made jointly to NSW Agriculture and CSIRO, with NSW Agriculture to administer the project. The grant was partial and contingent on additional funding coming from each of these organisations to meet the full cost of building the new insectary.

The additional insectary (Insectary 3) has rectified the problem of overcrowding and lack of bench and storage space. The new facility has specific design features including a temperature controlled room, separate work benches and work station areas that are highly functional and enhance the efficiency of entomology research.