Science, Technology park on cards for Albany

The City of Albany hopes a proposed Science and Technology Park aimed at strengthening the region’s economic base and providing a future for youth will come to fruition within two years.

The concept, spearheaded by Albany City councillor Ray Hammond, will take its most significant step next week when the local government hosts two representatives from Curtin University and Southern Cross University who will be consultants for the project.

Key stakeholders involved will include Landcorp, Department of Planning and Infrastructure, Main Roads, Great Southern Development Commission and Great Southern Institute of Technology.

The agencies will then meet in a fortnight as the project gains momentum.

Cr Hammond said the proposed Science and Technology Park would be based on a similar park developed by Southern Cross in Coffs Harbour and would be a designated hub of science and innovation-based companies aimed at boosting employment opportunities for 18-to-35-year-olds.

He said the project’s working group would draw on the knowledge of Southern Cross’ Professor Neal Ryan and Curtin Professor Kerry Brown during their three-day tour of Albany, starting next Wednesday.

A potential site for the park on Anson Road near GSIT was identified as an ideal location by the Committee for Albany in August.

“Southern Cross University have developed the Coffs Harbour Innovation Park so we are very keen to emulate that,” Cr Hammond said.

“We have full support from the City and council, and we are taking a cautious but cohesive approach to this.”

Cr Hammond said it was assumed the University of WA, which already has a presence in Albany, would be part of the project, because support was needed from an academic institution.

He also said those involved were optimistic about pulling off the project in a relatively short time.

“Realistically, within two years I’d like to see the foundations laid,” Cr Hammond said.

“This isn’t a pipedream, this is going to happen. I don’t think there is the appreciation (of) what this means for future employment opportunities.

“We are not concerned about failure. We are more concerned about getting this right.”

Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said ABS statistics showed Albany had dropped below the State average for the number of 18-to-44-year-old residents, reinforcing the need for the project.

“We have been so dependent on tourism for so long,” he said.

“Everyone realises that something needs to be done.”