Previous Updates

UPDATE FOR JULY 2008

Dear POAC Members,

Four very quick weeks have passed since the last update, and there are some snippets I'm sure will interest you.

We've been busy putting together a specification for the engineering assessment mentioned in the last update. This exercise is a key step in determining exactly what can and can't be relocated from Dickson to Mt Stromlo, and how much it will cost. An important part of the assessment will be finding out what our options are, including whether the main external dome can or should be relocated. A number of options are available on the mountain in the event the external dome cannot be relocated, including building a new structure, using the 74" dome damaged during the bushfires, or modifying the Visitor's Centre. Each has its merits, and the direction we take will depend on the recommendations of the assessment, and the funding we're able to generate.

The brief for the engineering assessment has been passed to TransACT, and we're hoping they will be able to commence the activity in the coming weeks. Ivan Slavich, CEO of TransACT has been extremely supportive, offering his engineering staff where possible, and agreeing to pick up the tab should we need to engage external services for specialised services his organisation is unable to provide. TransACT will also pay to have architectural plans drawn up to assist potential major sponsors in visualising what we are trying to achieve. The ACT Government have also pledged money for this exercise.

On the recommendation of Senator Carr, the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, I've been trying to arrange a meeting with the Hon. Julia Gillard MP, to see if there might be any funding available from her education portfolio. Her staff are busy and a meeting probably won't happen for a another few weeks. I'll keep you posted.

Once we have the engineering report from TransACT and we know roughly how much the relocation will cost, we'll be able to begin fundraising in earnest. Having said this, we've written to 10 of the larger local clubs, asking them to contribute to this worthwhile project. Our next step will be to contact private and philanthropic organisations and invite them to provide support or to be our corporate sponsors.

The long awaited public announcement will now probably take place in September, by which time we are hoping to have firm commitments from one or more major sponsors. This will allow us to make an undertaking to the community that we'll be able to deliver on our promise. And of course you'll be invited to this special event.

Thanks for your continued support.

Craig Collins
President
Planetarium and Observatory Association of Canberra