A meeting is set between Science,
Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly and the Australian
Space Agency Head Dr Megan Clark AC in order to bolster the pitch to
have the base of the agency in Western Australia (WA).
Minister Dave Kelly said that growing the
space industry in WA will create local jobs, provide more opportunities for our
local businesses and help diversify the WA economy.
According to the announcement
released by the Government
of Western Australia, WA has already been involved in the space
industry for nearly 60 years. It has
been included in major projects such as the European Space Agency's ground
station at New Norcia, a range of commercial space communications stations, the
Pawsey Supercomputing Centre, and the International Centre for Radio Astronomy
Research.
A report was released by ACIL Allen in June.
Space
Industry Capability in Western Australia showed that Western
Australia would be an ideal home for the Australian Space Agency.
The report mentioned that WA is equipped
with geographic advantages and expertise required to have a thriving space
industry, which is in alignment with the objectives of the Australian Space
Agency.
Currently, 74 international and Australian
companies that are operating in space and space-related services have a
presence in WA.
Minister Kelly explained that the State
Government had held an Industry Roundtable earlier this month. This is for the
purpose of further solidifying WA’s position as the perfect home for the
Australian Space Agency.
This roundtable had resulted with
identifying new opportunities for WA in the Australian Space Agency. He shared
that along with having WA as headquarters for the national space agency, there
will be an opportunity for a locally-based mission control centre. Moreover,
the McGowan Government is prepared to co-fund a new robotics and artificial
intelligence innovation hub.
WA Is armed with the geography, capability
and local expertise to have a successful space industry and it only needs the commitment
of the Federal Liberal Government so the agency can be based in the region.
WA Chief Scientist Professor Peter Klinken followed
up on the report and the industry meetings, adding that WA is incredibly well
positioned to be the headquarters of the Australian Space Agency.
He also shared that working closely with Dr
Megan Clark was a pleasure and that he looked forward to continuing to work
closely with her to see how Western Australia can contribute to the development
of the Australian Space Agency.