Plans for the dark matter laboratory to be built at Stawell Gold Mine took a big step forward this week with significant funding allocated to the project.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The federal government allocated $5 million to the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory in this week's budget.
The funding will mean the project can take its first steps at some point this year.
"With this money we can start doing excavation which is very exciting," project chief investigator Professor Elisabetta Barberio said.
"We need a total of $10 million to complete the lab which would make it quite top notch. We are hoping that the state government can help us with some of the other funding."
The Sodium Iodide with Active Background Rejection Experiment (SABRE) will be the the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
Professor Barberio said she hopes for work to commence as soon as possible.
"As soon as we have we have the money we will commence excavation," she said.
"We are now building the vessel for the experiment in Warrnambool and we will do testing on the surface before taking things underground.
"We are really looking forward to what the next few years hold."
Wannon MP Dan Tehan said the lab will have a positive impact not just for Stawell but also for the science community in Australia.
"This facility will be at the forefront of international efforts to prove the existence of dark matter and will also give Australian scientists a better understanding of our universe," he said.
"This project will create jobs during the construction and fit-out stage as well as full-time roles operating the facility. This facility will also attract researchers from around the world, and grow Australia's reputation as a world-class research destination."
The region also won out with funding for roads from Tuesday night's budget, with $360 million allocated for the Western Highway duplication between Ararat and Stawell.
"Northern Grampians Shire will see a 25 per cent increase in roads to recovery funding which is great news for roads around that region," he said.
A key focus for Northern Grampians Shire councillors was funding for the North Park redevelopment.
Mr Tehan said there is scope for the federal government to allocate funds to the project.
"We continue to build on community projects, with funding in the budget for female change rooms," he said.
"I am continuing to work with Bridget McKenzie on how that money will be allocated so I'll be working hard to help North Park receive some of that."
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday morning from the Stawell Times-News. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Northern Grampians shire, sign up here.