Synchrotron on track, says Brumby

Site works on the $157 million Australian Synchrotron Project were set to begin in September, the Victorian Government announced today.

Innovation Minister John Brumby said the project, announced by Premier Steve Bracks on June 21 last year, was in the pre-construction planning phase assisted with the arrival this week of new project director Garry Seaborne.

"The Australian Synchrotron facility is a key element of the Bracks Government's Innovation portfolio and will enable Victoria to capitalise on its emerging strengths in new knowledge-based industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental sciences, and advanced manufacturing," Brumby said.

"Six of the world's leading synchrotron designers have reviewed the Australian synchrotron machine design and were impressed with the design.

"They have also indicated that our project is moving quickly compared to overseas synchrotron projects."

Brumby said a series of information sessions held last month for synchrotron users and business leaders delivered positive feedback.

"As a result, we are working closely with industry groups who are keen to be involved in this exciting and innovative project."

The minister also tentatively announced the following key milestones for the synchrotron project:

• April - memorandum of understanding with Monash University to be completed
• September - project site works at Monash University commence
• November - completion of final building design
• 2003 - major construction works to commence
• 2004 - building to lock-up stage
• 2007 - project scheduled for completion

Speaking with Australian Biotechnology News this week, Brumby said the synchrotron would build on the strengths of the local biotechnology sector.

"We are the only OECD country without a synchrotron, and for a country that has been responsible for things like the bionic ear and immunological advances, for a country that's leading the world not to have a synchrotron in the 21st century is disgusting," he said.

The Australian Synchrotron Project is expected to create up to 700 jobs and contribute about $65 million annually to the economy.

A synchrotron is a large hollow ring, about 60 metres in diameter, that produces beams of very bright light millions of times more powerful than the best conventional microscope.

The analytical tool can be used in biological and life sciences, mining, geoscience and in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.