Vol. No. Vol. 2118No. 10 27
FREE PUBLICATION
A FREE PUBLICATION FROM YOUR LOCAL RADIO STATIONS 3WM AND MIXXFM
Wednesday, January 13, 2016 Wednesday, September 5, 2018
New lab needs surety N
BY DEAN LAWSON
orthern Grampians mayor Tony Driscoll has called for greater government and corporate support to ensure a ground-breaking Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory goes ahead as planned.
Cr Driscoll said the project was again ‘alive and kicking’ with the re-opening of Stawell Gold Mine but would only forge ahead strongly with greater financial security and guarantees. Planning for the underground laboratory is back on the regional agenda after stalling in 2016 over what was then uncertainty about the future of Stawell Gold Mine. Plans are for the laboratory, to be about one kilometre below the surface and part of an international project, to research one of the great the mysteries of the universe – ‘dark matter’. An operational mine, combined with strong partnerships and significant investment, is essential for the success of the project. Project leaders, led by University of Melbourne Professor Elisabetta Barberio, are confident the project will develop from concept to reality by the end of next year. They are working on a business case and budget process. Cr Driscoll said government recognition of the importance and potential of the project and accompanying investment was critical. “This isn’t going to come cheap – and it will probably need academic, business and philanthropic contributions as well as government money,” he said.
“But we always hear from federal and state level that we want to be a smart and innovative country and we’re seeing a major push to improve and develop our science and technology assets, particularly through our children. “This project profoundly reflects what this push is all about. Who knows what outcomes will come from the research in such a laboratory, especially if we have some of the best minds in the world collaborating. We might come up with answers to all sorts of riddles; establish a new form of energy, cures for diseases, who knows? But this represents a chance for it to happen, not only in Australia and Victoria, but also in the southern hemisphere. We shouldn’t be asking why, we should be asking, why not? “Forget for a minute how great it will be for Stawell and the Wimmera, which it will be, and consider what it means for Victoria. The state has an opportunity to be an international ground-breaker. “At the end of the day it’s fortuitous for us that it’s located in Stawell. But we’re talking about potential worldwide benefits. It would be much more than a missed opportunity if we failed to make sure it happened – it would be a disaster for Australia’s standing in the scientific community. “But from all indications we’re back on track and, from the powers that be, just need some profound guarantees in place.” Victorian Resources Minister Tim Pallas visited Stawell Gold Mine last week to celebrate operator Arete Capital Partners’ plans to return the mine to production next year.
ENJOY! Horsham Calisthenics College coach Kylie Hermans gives Angela Rosewarne some final words of encouragement before the youngster steps onto the stage at the college’s 28th annual competition at Horsham Town Hall. The calisthenics competition attracted competitors and their families from across Victoria and interstate for three days of spirited dance-sport competition. The Horsham club had its best results in the competition in many years, with intermediate, junior and sub-junior teams winning team aggregate awards. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
IN THIS ISSUE • Dry spring forecast • Money for hospital • NF heroes walk • Football-netball coverage Phone: 03 5382 1351 Read it online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
AUDITED: 22,589 COPIES
October 2017 to March 2018
Source: AMAA; CAB Total Distribution Audit for further information visit www.auditedmedia.org.au
Now Open next to Sanity Phone 0497 005 450
ew Check out our n
Bead Bar