If reports are true that the CSIRO is closing down its Geelong Technology Precinct natural and artificial fibre research at Deakin Universitys Waurn Ponds campus, its a backwards step for the region and the nation, Corangamite MP Libby Coker said today.

I urge the CSIRO and the Morrison Government to urgently rethink this decision, Ms Coker said.

The facility has been a catalyst for world-leading fibre research and new manufacturing businesses.

This region has become known as a hub of scientific expertise in advanced and natural fibre research, a reputation which has taken many years to build.

CSIRO has today undermined that invaluable intellectual resource with the stroke of a pen.

The decision has direct implications for wool, cotton and future hemp fibre processing. It will diminish the pool of advanced carbon fibre expertise and will stall ground-breaking work on the textile circular economy.

This came out the blue with no obvious consultation. CSIROs facility is in my electorate, yet I only heard about it after researchers and staff were told theyd lost their jobs.

I feel for these people who have devoted their lives to leading research for the good of the nation, only to be discarded in this way.