Premier announces withdrawal of Government support for Pinnacle Blue project

27/8/02
The State Government has withdrawn its support for a private bid to establish a super computer in Western Australia.
Premier Geoff Gallop said in principle support for a $30million loan to Pinnacle Blue Pty Ltd to establish the facility in Perth had been withdrawn.
Dr Gallop said Pinnacle Blue had been unable to satisfy the Government that its proposal qualified for industry development assistance.
"While the general idea of a super computing facility is still attractive to the Government, it must meet a strict public interest test to qualify for financial assistance," he said.
"Unfortunately, this was not the case with Pinnacle Blue and the Government's in principle support for the company's proposal has now been withdrawn.
"It is clear, however, that the proposal did generate considerable interest in the scientific community and the Government will now undertake further work in respect of a super computing facility being established in WA."
Dr Gallop said that analysis would be undertaken by the Office of Science and Innovation and involve the Department of Industry and Technology and representatives from the Premier's Science Council.
Premier's office: 9222 9475