The federal government's bid for the world-class Square Kilometre Array telescope to be located in the Mid West has changed in approach from competitive to collaborative.
The federal government's bid for the world-class Square Kilometre Array telescope to be located in the Mid West has changed in approach from competitive to collaborative.
The Western Australian site is shortlisted against South Africa's Karoo, and the two countries have been competing for the International Union of Radio Science to award them the technology.
The SKA technology, worth $2.5 billion, would bring international scientific renown to the state, and would generate significant jobs in infrastructure building and research and development, as well as income.
At an SKA International convention in Cape Town last week, Federal Innovation Minister Kim Carr announced that Australia and South Africa would be pursuing a collaborative approach for the technology, rather than competing.
A spokesperson for the minister told WA Business news that both sites were building telescope technology in their competitive bids and would collaborate on research, especially in relation to the complementary features of their telescopes.
The spokesperson said the distance between the two sites was not problematic.
"Astronomy is by its very nature an international activity," said the spokesperson.
"We do not see the geographical separation impacting on the viability of the collaboration."
Geraldton chief executive Tony Brun, whose electorate would host the technology, said while that was the message from the minister, South Africa still seemed to be competing against Australia.
"The South Africans were running hard and fast with a competitive approach," he said.
The minister's office said despite this the collaboration was a genuine effort by both countries to enhance SKA science and technology.
"The South Africans made a strong pitch to the international community on behalf of SKA to South African and African development," she said.
"Australia is working to ensure that potential funding partners in the SKA are well aware of the commitment of Australian governments, the scientific qualities of our site (notably its extreme radio quietness) and the capacity of Australia's scientists, engineers and businesses to make a significant contribution to realise what is a technically demanding project."
Mr Brun said the attendance of State Treasurer Troy Buswell had been influential in conveying the value of the technology to Western Australia's regions and indigenous community.
"He seemed to get the message loud and clear, the importance of us having to compete with the South Africans for our regional development and, more importantly, indigenous outcomes," said Mr Brun.
Mr Brun said having the technology would not only create jobs for indigenous people, but would open up new areas of opportunity for education and vocation.
"What we'd like to see is some Yamatji kids come up and get some science and doctoral degrees," he said.
The announcement is below:
Joint release with Mr Mosibudi Mangena, South African Government Minister for Science and Technology
Mr Mosibudi Mangena, South African Government Minister for Science and Technology and Senator Kim Carr, Australian Government Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research today confirmed the high priority which both Governments give to the planned Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope.
They noted that to date the Governments, along with the State Government of Western Australia, have together committed approximately 150 million Euros (around $296 million AUD) to the international SKA program to bring this iconic global project to fruition.
They agreed that it is now time for Australia and South Africa to work more closely together in partnership to advance the global SKA program.
To this end, South Africa and Australia will collaborate in the development of a coordinated scientific and technical program for the SKA pathfinder telescopes, the South African pathfinder MeerKAT and the Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP).
This collaboration will enhance the scientific impact of both pathfinders and contribute to advancing the international SKA program overall. The close involvement of the SKA Science and Engineering Committee and the SKA Program Development Office will be sought to ensure that this collaboration is an integral part of the international SKA program.
Astronomers will be able to exploit the complementary and common nature of the two SKA pathfinder facilities, conducting science that is aligned with the SKA reference mission, as well as capitalising on science opportunities provided by new astronomical facilities at other wavelengths.
The Ministers noted that the SKA pathfinder collaboration program will further stimulate academic collaboration and exchange between Australia and South Africa. It will further leverage recent investments in human capability building in astronomy in both countries, such as the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research in Western Australia and the South African Centres of Excellence in radio astronomy.
The Governments have also agreed to work closely together to promote the scientific value and broad ranging benefits of the SKA to the international community. South Africa and Australia are ready to engage with potential partner countries in the development and implementation of the SKA.
