Putting our continent under AuScope

Understanding the history of our continent will be made easier by a ground-breaking $43 million Australian geoscience project, AuScope.

The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, said it marked a step-change in our capacity to explore, preserve and harness the rich potential of the land.

AuScope, a collaborative not-for-profit company made up of governments, universities, research and science agencies, will create a network for earth science research that will deliver economic, social and environmental results.

“This major project combines cutting-edge technology with specialist knowledge and research capabilities from our best institutions. It will put Australia at the forefront of international earth science and geospatial research,” Senator Carr said.

“AuScope has been embraced enthusiastically because it allows resources and data to be shared across sectors. It will open new and innovative commercial developments in geothermal energy production and carbon dioxide geosequestration.”

The Gillard government has allocated $43.3 million from the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy. AuScope’s work will be extended with $23 million from the Education Investment Fund for the Australian Geophysical Observing System.

Senator Carr said many of the nation’s research challenges were geoscience related.

“Australia’s continental soils are derived from the rock base that stores most of our water resources as groundwater,” he said.

“This is the storehouse of future clean energy, as well as a potential sink for greenhouse gas emissions. Geoscientific research will help us address challenges arising from climate change, sustainable use of energy, mineral and water resources, extreme geological activity, and managing disaster reduction.

“No single researcher, research institution, discipline or jurisdiction can provide the solutions, but AuScope will increase the chances and opportunities.”

More information is available from www.auscope.org.au.