WA: Federal science minister throws support behind $2b telescope

AAP General News (Australia)
04-09-2008
WA: Federal science minister throws support behind $2b telescope

PERTH, April 9 AAP - Leading international astronomers and scientists have gathered
in Perth for a forum as Western Australia strives to attract a $2 billion radio telescope
site.

WA is one of two sites short-listed after a global search for a site to build the world's
biggest radio telescope - the Square Kilometre Array or SKA.

South Africa is also vying for the contract, to be decided this year, that would put
the host nation at the forefront of global radio astronomy.

The SKA would be up to 50 times more sensitive than the most advanced present-day telescopes,
which would give astronomers a remarkable insight into the formation of the universe and
address some of the most fundamental unanswered questions in physics and astronomy.

Proponents of the telescope have gathered in Perth where an international SKA forum
was opened today.

Federal Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Minister Kim Carr said the SKA project
would provide a significant boost to innovation across Australia.

"It will intensify international collaboration and create high-skill, high-wage jobs
for half a century," Senator Carr said.

WA Premier Alan Carpenter said the WA government was committed to hosting the SKA and
has committed $29.3 million for radio astronomy developments in the state.

The federal government has provided $118.5 million to help meet some of the key technology
and engineering requirements of the SKA.

AAP ah/jec/mn

KEYWORD: SCI TELESCOPE

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