Landgate announces $430k spatial sciences spend at Curtin

Land Information Minister Michelle Roberts has announced a $430,000 spend over five years with Curtin University of Technology for the construction of a state-of-the-art spatial sciences studio.

The full text of a Ministerial announcement is pasted below

A new science studio will provide a focal point for geographic information science, surveying and cartography in Western Australia.

In a joint project between Curtin University and Landgate, a state-of-the-art Spatial Sciences Studio will be established at the university's Bentley Campus in 2008.

Land Information Minister Michelle Roberts announced today that Landgate and Curtin University of Technology would collaborate for the purpose of developing and promoting education and research in Spatial Sciences.

Mrs Roberts said one of the key objectives of the alliance was to develop and construct the leading educational facility on the Bentley Campus.

"Spatial information is fundamental to the lives of us all," she said.

"It is used in environmental monitoring, management of natural resources, assets, land and emergencies.

"The State Government, through Landgate, will contribute $430,000 over five years to establish the studio, which will be used by spatial science students at Curtin.

"The studio will also be a research facility and will promote educational initiatives to primary and secondary students, with a special focus on the eastern metropolitan region of Perth."

The Minister attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by Curtin University Vice Chancellor Jeanette Hacket and Landgate's chief executive Grahame Searle at the university today.

Mrs Roberts said during the five-year term of the MOU, Curtin and Landgate would explore other opportunities in the spatial sciences field.

"These will include programs to attract indigenous students into spatial sciences courses; developing programs of student exchange and scholarships to attract international students; and the development of a Landgate cadetship program," she said.

"I commend this alliance between Curtin University and Landgate, because it holds the key to increasing awareness and promotion of the many applications of spatial information for the benefit of all Western Australians."

Professor Hacket welcomed the alliance and the opportunity for Curtin to work together with Landgate to advance the spatial science industry.

"Curtin is very pleased to enter into this alliance with Landgate as we continually strive to forge strong and effective partnerships with industry, business and government to enhance the quality of our teaching, learning and research," she said.

"We look forward to working closely with Landgate to advance spatial science education in WA, and to increase awareness of the industry and the excellent employment opportunities available."