Committee to build WA radio astronomy capabilities

The State Government will establish a new committee to improve Western Australia's chances of winning the lucrative Square Kilometre Array international radio telescope project.

Science and Innovation Minister Francis Logan said the Western Australian Radio Astronomy Committee would be chaired by Geraldton MLA Shane Hill.

"The committee will have representatives from across government and the education and science sectors," Mr Logan said.

"It will meet quarterly and discuss and advise on the development of current and future radio astronomy projects in WA.

"It will also advise on the protection, management and development of our new Radio Astronomy Park on Mileura Station, 350km north-east of Meekatharra."

The Minister said the committee would address issues relating to the SKA project, which has the potential to bring hundreds of millions of dollars into the State.

The project would involve 17 countries in the construction of the world's biggest radio telescope. Four countries have bid to house the project - Australia, South Africa, Argentina and China.

"WA is the prime location for the SKA and other projects," Mr Logan said.

"The establishment of the Radio Astronomy Park in March was part of the State Government's $7million commitment to radio astronomy.

"It has positioned WA as the world's best location for radio astronomy research."

The Minister said he hoped the committee would also include Professor Brian Boyle from the CSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility, Emeritus Professor John de Laeter from the Australian Square Kilometre Array Committee and a representative from Murchison Metals.