Central Queensland University’s Primary Industries Research Centre (Plant Sciences) and the Centre for Environmental Management are now located in building 7 at CQU Rockhampton.

Building 7 is now officially known as the Thozet Building, after a naming ceremony took place this week. The building was named in honour of Anthelme Thozet who was a professional botanist in Rockhampton during the 1800s.

Dr Joe Baker, Chief Scientist (Queensland), was a special guest at the naming ceremony and helped by unveiling the building plaque. He is PICTURED with CQU Vice-Chancellor Professor Glenice Hancock.

The Primary Industries Research centre undertakes research on all aspects of plants ranging from molecular biology, through agriculture and horticulture to fruit quality evaluation and new crops. The Centre for Environmental Management has focussed research on fresh water and marine habitats, koala ecology, and the impact of industry on the environment. Both centres have active cohorts of postgraduate students, and attract substantial research investment from government and private enterprise.

Primary Industries Research Centre Director, Professor David Midmore, said the building was named in honour of Mr Thozet’s outstanding contribution to pioneering plant science and research in Rockhampton and the development of horticulture in Central Queensland.

The French-born scientist Anthelme Thozet (1826 – 1878) was renowned for his research into native plants used by the indigenous people of northern Queensland. Thozet not only classified in a botanical sense many indigenous plant species, but he also documented their methods of preparation as food or medicine. He produced the first known specialist record of the language and use of bush tucker by these northern Aborigines, including the Darambal clans around Rockhampton.

Thozet was also an important contributor in the establishment of the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and the indigenous trees growing along Quay Street were propagated in Thozet’s Nursery.

Previously, respect to Thozet has been paid in the naming of Frenchman’s Creek, Thozet’s Creek and Thozet Road, all of which happened during his lifetime. The University now plans to honour this remarkable scientist and distinguished Rockhampton citizen some 125 years after his death.

For details contact David Midmore, Professor of Plant Sciences on 4930 9770, or d.midmore@cqu.edu.au