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The Federal Government's decision to provide $7.3 million towards
construction work at Mt Stromlo Observatory is welcome, but more
funding is needed to ensure the facility will retain an international
reputation for research.
ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Chubb welcomed the funding
announcement in tonight's Budget, but said a significant gap still
remained between the loss of five telescopes, a workshop complex,
seven houses and the heritage-listed Old Administration building, and
the compensation which would be received from insurance and the
Federal Government.
Much of the Observatory complex was destroyed in fires that savaged a
large area of Canberra on January 18 this year.
"We welcome this new funding, but because of severe funding
constraints in the higher education sector, this level of funding,
combined with insurance claims, will force us to look at other ways to
ensure Mount Stromlo can remain an icon of Australian science,"
Professor Chubb said.
"We have been both flattered and moved by the generosity of people
from around the world in donating money, time and equipment to restore
Stromlo and we are determined not to build a second-rate facility on a
site which is held in esteem by scientists and astronomers around the
world.
"On the day after the fires, we started preparing plans to build a new
Stromlo, but those plans will not be finalised until we can be sure
world-class research can continue to be hosted and nurtured with the
buildings and equipment on site."
The Director of the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics,
Professor Penny Sackett, said the Federal Government's funding
provided another foundation stone for the resurrection of Mt Stromlo.
"Plans for Mount Stromlo will not be finalised until sufficient
funding for redevelopment has been secured, but we will not retreat
from our determination to continue a tradition of excellence by
building a first-class facility," Professor Sackett said.
"Fortunately, two academic buildings were largely intact and staff
have been able to continue their pioneering research with observations
from the ANU Siding Spring Observatory, near Coonabarabran.
"We have moved temporary demountable buildings on site so that all
staff now have office accommodation while plans for construction are
prepared.
"We are determined for Mt Stromlo to continue to be a leading light
for astronomers and all Australians, opening eyes to science and
probing the unexplored in the cosmos."
ANU MEDIA OFFICE CONTACT: Tim Winkler on (02) 6125 5001 or 0416 249 231
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