History

By the early 1980’s, the facilities and space available at Castle Hill were limiting the scope and scale of work that could be undertaken. A decision to relocate the Institute was made in 1982 and a search for an appropriate new site was commenced. In 1988 after careful study of a number of alternative sites the PBI decided to purchase the University of Sydney properties “Karalee” and “Hildex” in Cobbitty, enabling integration with the University of Sydney Camden campus. After the sale of the Castle Hill site in January 1989, development of the Camden site was commenced. The new research laboratories and office complex were officially opened in September 1991.

This expansion lead to the growth of other plant breeding activities apart from cereal rust and the introduction of horticulture to the Institute.