- Government allocates $25 million to the locally based International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR)
- Since 2009 the State Government has invested almost $100 million into ICRAR
- WA to be a global hub of radio astronomy research, training and translation
With its sights firmly set on making Western Australia the 'place for space' the Cook Government has committed a further $25 million to fund the local International Centre for Radio Astronomy (ICRAR) over the next five years.
Science Minister Stephen Dawson said ICRAR was established in 2009 as a State Government initiative to support Australia's successful bid for the world's largest astronomical telescope, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), and to ensure that WA would capture the benefits.
With this latest funding addition, the State Government has invested a total of almost $100 million in financial support, in securing the SKA to be built in the Murchison region and continuing to transform the State into a global hub for radio astronomy research, training, and innovation.
This funding has enabled over 250 astronomers, researchers, engineers, and data experts to advance their fields, providing job opportunities and fostering a thriving scientific community in Western Australia.
ICRAR has supported the creation of nearly 3,000 high-impact publications, with over 80 per cent involving international collaborations, further cementing WA's reputation on the global scientific stage.
The State Government's continued support will enable ICRAR to conduct world-class research aimed at achieving international recognition, advancing scientific capabilities, and translating research outcomes for the benefit of Western Australia's community and economy.
There are more than 130 national and international organisations now operating space and space-related services in WA, with more than $1 billion being invested into the State's space sector over the past six years.
Radio astronomy expertise from the SKA is now being translated to diverse domain's including defence, space, agriculture, marine and mining.
To find out more see: Home - ICRAR .
As stated by Science Minister Stephen Dawson:
"We have a vision of making WA the 'place for space' and this further commitment by the Cook Government for $25 million will ensure the incredible work being done by ICRAR in research, discovery and translation continues.
"It is fascinating to see the crossover between the work that ICRAR does and other priority sectors. I am excited to see how these technologies and diverse WA industries will continue to grow together in the coming years.
"Western Australia is fast becoming a global centre of excellence in radio astronomy, which is exemplified by ICRAR's work and our hosting of the SKA.
"We have a burgeoning space industry, and we are focused on building momentum and taking another giant leap forward in becoming a global hub."
