Gallop Government's commitment to science project continues

1/4/03
The State Government is continuing its strong commitment to scientific research and education with a $500,000 contribution to the proposed Gravity Discovery Centre in Gingin.
The Gravity Discovery Centre will be established adjacent to the Australian International Gravitational Observatory in the Shire of Gingin.
The GDC will be a self-supporting, non-profit centre that will integrate art, science, innovation, indigenous culture and the environment with exhibits related to the discovery and understanding of our place in the universe.
Mid-West, Great Southern and Wheatbelt Minister Kim Chance announced the State Government's financial support through the Regional Infrastructure Fund.
Mr Chance said the centre would prove a boon for tourism in the Gingin area, provide jobs in construction, maintenance and service and contribute to science and technology education for Western Australian schoolchildren.
"Among other attractions the centre will feature a 'learning tower' from which students and other visitors will be able to repeat Galileo's classic experiments into gravity," he said.

"The nearby Southern Cross Cosmos Centre is symbolic of the achievements in astronomy over the past century, as well as the future of astronomy in the 21st century.
"This centre provides the community of WA and thousands of international and interstate visitors with an exciting venue for learning about astronomy."
Last February the State Government contributed $30,000 to the Gravity Discovery Centre Foundation from the Public Education Endowment Trust.
The centre also received a grant from the Centenary of Federation Western Australia under its WA 2001 Community Centenary Project to help build the Centenary of Federation Southern Cross Cosmos Centre.
The Cosmos Centre, opened in October 2001, was a result of an excellent working partnership between Aboriginal elders, scientists, astronomers and the wider community.
"The Southern Cross Cosmos Centre was the first stage of a major public education facility linked to science, the biodiversity of the Wallingup Plain and Aboriginal art and culture," Mr Chance said.
"The State's latest contribution will assist with the construction of the Gravity Discovery Centre which will be the interactive, public education and tourism component of the observatory dedicated to the big questions in science, technology and cosmology.
"The project promotes good partnerships across all levels of government and with the community and business sectors.
"Local businesses such as builders, accommodation providers and tradespeople have already benefited significantly from what has already been developed on the site."
Mr Chance said the GDC would become the public focal point for science tourism in the Wheatbelt, which had five other astronomy-based research facilities within a one-day drive.
Minister's office: 9213 6700