1. Radio Astronomy & The Government of Western Australia A Beautiful Friendship Kelly Kranz Little The Office of Science and Innovation

2. Introducing OSI The Office of Science and Innovation was created in 2002 by Premier Dr Geoff Gallop, Minister for Science. The Government of WA, through OSI, is committed to supporting Radio Astronomy in WA. Why? Because WA can offer Australia radio astronomy a competitive edge

3. Our History OSI and the Government of WA has a history of working with astronomy organizations on projects such as: –SKA –LOFAR –MWA –ESA Deep Space Ground Station Only state government body to be a member of the 2001 MNRF ‘Gemini and SKA: Australia’s Astronomy Future’

4. Astronomy in WA Perth Observatory, Bickley Australian International Gravitational Observatory, Gingin ESA Deep Space Ground Station, New Norcia Future Radio Observatory & SKA site, Mileura Ionospheric Prediction Service, Learmoth

6. Mileura Government Land (Pastoral Lease) Low population density  extremely radio quiet Excellent location: –Sky coverage –Remote…yet not too far –Array configuration

7. Mileura Government Land (Pastoral Lease) Low population density  extremely radio quiet Excellent location: –Sky coverage –Remote…yet not too far –Array configuration

8. Current Activities and Plans Government Interaction OSI are facilitators and co-ordinators

9. Current Activities and Plans Steps to establishing an observatory… Radio Quiet Zone Mining Act (Section 19) Land Administration Act

10. Current Activities and Plans Financial Support for Infrastructure Optical Fibre Power Roads Buildings…etc

11. Current Activities and Plans Support for the Science Premier’s Fellowship in Radio Astronomy WA Supercomputing Project Facilitating Outreach

12. Current Activities and Plans Support for the Science Premier’s Fellowship in Radio Astronomy –Expressions of Interest open 24/12/04 and close 28/2/05 WA Supercomputing Project Facilitating Outreach

13. 2006-2015 Decadal Plan Message: Recognize that the Mileura site will become one of the top radio observatories in the world.

14. 2006-2015 Decadal Plan Interest is already being generated for potential projects to be located at the Mileura site. Message: Help us decide which projects should be allowed on site to ensure that wonderful science will happen.

15. 2006-2015 Decadal Plan Message: Help us to build up a generation of astronomers, physicists and technologists positioned in Perth and regional areas to take full advantage of the SKA being located in WA.

16. Talk to us!