THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
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Tuesday 21, January 2003

ANU UPDATE ON CANBERRA FIRES

The Australian National University expresses concern and sympathy to those who have lost so much in the Canberra fires.

The Mount Stromlo Observatory, a campus of the ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics outside of Canberra, has been largely destroyed by fire.

However, the University's main campus in the inner-city suburb of Acton has not been damaged. Research and teaching activities continue as normal.

ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Chubb said students intending to come to ANU from across Australia and around the world should be reassured that the 2003 education program would not be altered by the tragic fires.

"We are thankful that no staff or students were injured in the Mount Stromlo fire." ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Chubb said today.

"It is vital to emphasise that all areas of the University, including the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics will continue to conduct their research and teaching program for 2003.

Plans are already being put in place to rebuild at Mount Stromlo, which is one of Australia's leading centres of Astronomical research. The fires destroyed four telescopes, the equipment workshop, eight houses which had been occupied by staff and an administration building. Preliminary estimates have valued the losses at more than $20 million.

"The fires have been a devastating blow to Canberra and the ANU is committed to helping rebuild the lives of those affected," Professor Chubb said.