Although the industry was shocked and disappointed when the announcement was made in May, due to government funding cuts and subsequent cost cutting measures, no actual action was taken to try and stop the closure.

But members of AgForce, Cattle Council of Australia, Beef CRC, and Federal Member for Capricornia Kirsten Livermore, along with other industry representatives, joined for talks at the Rendel Laboratory site this morning to discuss ways to try and reverse the CSIRO's decision.

Chair of the AgForce Belmont/Brian Pastures Committee, Peter Milne, convened the meeting and said the overwhelming feeling was industry had to stand up and try to change this decision because the work being done at the Rendel Laboratories was too important.

"We went in there to see if it was feasible to attempt to save the Rendel lab," Mr Milne said.

"And the overwhelming answer was that it is important we try.

"Since the announcement was made in May there has been no focal point where groups could really discuss the issue.

"We have done that now and will be forwarding our recommendations that came out of the meeting to the CSIRO Board."

The recommendations which came from the meeting include: making a concerted effort to attract other bodies to share the costs of operating the Rendel site; lobbying the government to speed up reviews into funding so if money is made available it may be used to save the site; and also asking Ms Livermore to help them lobby the CSIRO Board to reverse the decision.

* More details in Queensland Country Life, November 20 edition.