Australia welcomes the SKA to the 'ideas boom'
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08 December 2015
On Monday 7 December, the Australian Government took an important step towards hosting the SKA when the Prime Minister announced a provisional funding allocation for the project as part of its National Innovation and Science Agenda.
The Agenda sets out the GovernmentòÀÙs vision for using innovation and science to drive growth, jobs and prosperity.
As part of the announcement, $293.7 million over 10 years was set aside to meet AustraliaòÀÙs initial commitment to the SKA. The allocation means that pending a successful conclusion to the Convention negotiations now underway and the development of a satisfactory business case, funding is available to meet AustraliaòÀÙs obligations to the construction and initial operation of Phase 1 of the SKA.
This final decision on AustraliaòÀÙs involvement is expected to occur in the second half of 2016.
òÀÜAmong other things, the announcement includes a number of positive initiatives for CSIRO,òÀÝ said Lewis Ball, Director of CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, òÀÜThis is a positive development and a major step towards Australia co-hosting the SKA telescope.òÀÝ
Further information is available in official statement as well as on the Australian SKA website.
Additionally, information is also available on CSIROòÀÙs innovation potential and how the organisation will benefit from other areas of the Innovation Statement.
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