WA science, technology and innovation news

The current edition of State of the Future, a publication profiling the State’s science, innovation, industry and enterprise sectors, is now available.

The quarterly newsletter, produced by the Department of Industry and Resources, provides a link between government and industry to share achievements and initiatives.

In this edition, read all about WA’s plans to host Australia’s biggest technology precinct in Bentley.

The Bentley Technology Precinct will expand the existing Technology Park seven-fold into a 314 hectare precinct, dedicated to information and communications technology.

Minister for Industry and Enterprise Francis Logan said the technology precinct would create economic benefits for Western Australia while diversifying the State’s industry base and enhancing its existing innovative culture.

“The Bentley Technology Precinct will become a destination where business meets research and research has access to business; where knowledge is shared among companies and partnerships are started,” the Minister said. 

This issue also celebrates Brilliant Science WA which was launched by the State’s Premier Alan Carpenter. The month-long initiative celebrated the success of the State’s science community and raised awareness of the challenges it faces.

A feature on the Square Kilometre Array project is also included. The State Government has committed $20 million to establish an International Radio Astronomy Research Centre in WA to boost Australia’s chances of winning the world’s largest radio astronomy project.

WA Premier’s Fellow in Astronomy and University of WA Professor of Astronomy Peter Quinn said the new intentional research centre represents a significant strengthening of our commitment as a nation to win the SKA bid.

“The new centre will draw together State, national and international organisations and industries into a coordinated research and development program focused on building and using the SKA,” he said.   

Also included in the April edition of State of the Future are various renewable energy and clean technology initiatives, the 2008 WA Inventor of the Year Award and the announcement of the eight science priorities for Western Australia.

To subscribe to receive hard copies of State of the Future contact Marta Sabinasz from the Department of Industry and Resources on (08) 9222 3895.

To download a copy visit http://www.doir.wa.gov.au/documents/SoTF_April_2008.pdf