State funds for Gravity Discovery Centre at Gingin

7/7/04
A $550,000 State Government grant will help construction of an innovative and interactive science and technology education centre near Gingin, 70km north of Perth
Wheatbelt Minister Kim Chance said the $1.8million Gravity Discovery Centre (GDC) would be an important new attraction.
"An estimated 30,000 people per year will visit the centre which is focused on gravity, astrophysics and cosmology and answers to the big question - 'the origin of the universe'," Mr Chance said.
"This funding will support construction of a new Cosmology Gallery, a Gravity Glass Elevator and a disabled access walkway.
"Along with many other sculptural and interactive displays and facilities, these new installations will highlight the potential of art and science to explain the work of the Australian International Gravitational Observatory, which is part of a multi-billion dollar international search for gravity waves."
The Minister said the centre would attract visitors to the area creating potential new customers for established tourism businesses in surrounding areas.
"This project also provides a new opportunity for indigenous tourism services which interpret the local landscape and explain indigenous cosmology," he said.
"Indigenous people will be involved through sales of their artworks, taking school groups on nature walks in the surrounding bushland and working with students on education programs.
"I commend the GDC for its innovative approach to raising public awareness about the importance of science in our society and the development of tourism to the region."
The $550,000 funding (inclusive of GST) was provided through the Gallop Government's $75million Regional Investment Fund (RIF). The Discovery Centre had also received $300,000 from Lotterywest and $60,000 from the Public Education Endowment Trust.
More information about RIF is available from the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on (08) 9217 1500 or http://www.dlgrd.wa.gov.au
Minister's office: 9213 6700