|
|
|
|
Dr Geoff Garrett Dear Dr Garrett Funding for Exploration Research in CSIRO On behalf of the Australian Geoscience Council, I am requesting that you review, as a matter of urgency, the cuts of ten percent, which were made to the Division of Exploration and Mining’s budget in July this year. The Council believes that if this action is not rectified there will be grave consequences for exploration research in Australia. The Australian Geoscience Council comprises nine societies and associations, has a membership of over 7000 and represents most of the professional geoscientists in Australia. A key aim of the AGC is to promote the geosciences, in the best interests of both our constituent organisations and Australia as a whole. The Council was shocked by the decision to cut funds to exploration research and innovation because the mining and exploration sectors are crucial for sustaining Australia’s wealth. Exports of minerals and metals amount to over $40 billion per year (~30% of all goods and services) and unless we are able to find more ore bodies by improving our exploration techniques, the wealth generated from our mineral resources will continuously decline. This situation was recognised by the Australian Government through the establishment of the whole-of-government Mineral Exploration Action Agenda and the inquiry into resources exploration impediments being undertaken by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry and Resources. Both of these studies recognised the importance of research outcomes to underpin successful exploration. Furthermore, the identification of developing our deep earth resources as listed as a National Research Priority by the Prime Minister earlier this year. The words from priorities document are pertinent to this issue.
Smart high–technology exploration methodologies, including imaging and mapping the deep earth and ocean floors, and novel efficient ways of commodity extraction and processing (examples include minerals, oil and gas). Many of Australia’s known mineral assets may be nearly exhausted within the next decade. New land-based deposits are believed to be buried deeper in the crust and the deep marine areas surrounding Australia are also largely unexplored. New technologies, such as remote sensing, indicate scientists are on the brink of being able to "see" inside the earth and identify deeply buried deposits." This situation was recognised in 2000 by CSIRO with the establishment of the "Glass Earth" project to undertake cutting-edge research so that we can better understand and manage our mineral resources. The reduction in funds, imposed this year, will clearly have a major impact on CSIRO’s capacity to deliver significant outputs in this program. We understand that "Glass Earth" and other exploration focused research programs; particularly those based at North Ryde in Sydney, are under threat because of the funding cuts. As a result Australia’s research capacities and capabilities, particularly in the eastern states, will be seriously diminished. We are led to believe that the 10 percent cut was made to all Divisions not involved with the new Flagship Programs. However, given the government’s $20 million additional contribution in this year’s budget for these programs, the need for the cuts is certainly not clear. The Australian Geoscience Council believes this situation is most unsatisfactory, and funding should be restored so that CSIRO plays an expanding, and not declining, role in this key industry sector. Yours sincerely
David Denham cc The Hon Joe Hockey MP The Hon Peter McGauran MP |
The Australian Geoscience Council Inc. © 1999 - 2003 |
