[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Imaginarium Centre's Future Must Be Secured_N McKim MR

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

DEVONPORT'S IMAGINARIUM SCIENCE CENTRE UNDER REVIEW

Call for 'Data-Driven' Premier to Secure Facility's Future

Nick McKim MP
Greens Leader

Monday, 22 August 2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens have expressed concern over the future of the
Imaginarium Science Centre due to a review of funding currently under
way by the Devonport City Council, and called on Premier and Education
Minister David Bartlett to work constructively with the Council to
ensure that the Imaginarium at least retains its current funding level.

Greens Leader and Education spokesperson, Nick McKim MP, who visited the
Imaginarium last week, said that it is important to inspire future
scientists, and that any loss of funding to the Imaginarium would
compromise  the Greens' vision for Tasmania's future as a global leader
in sustainability issues.

"Thousands of state school students visit the Imaginarium every year,
and in my view the state government has a responsibility to work
constructively to ensure that it can stay open to continue to inspire
young Tasmanians to chose a career in science," Mr McKim said.

"Tasmania is experiencing significant difficulties in attracting young
people into careers in science, and this situation would only worsen if
a fantastic facility like the Imaginarium was to have to close or lessen
its activities in any way." 

"This week is Science Week, and we really should be looking at ways to
expand the Imaginarium so that it can take its inspirational message out
to students in their classrooms and schools."

"The State government has a responsibility to work with the Devonport
City Council to ensure that the Imaginarium remains open, as this will
be a long-term investment in inspiring our future scientists."

"Premier Bartlett has styled himself as being science focussed and 'data
driven', and working to secure the future for the Imaginarium is a
simple and straight-forward way that Mr Bartlett can put his rhetoric
into action," Mr McKim said.

Mr McKim also said that the Greens are concerned that funding may be cut
to the Devonport Regional Gallery, and called on the government to work
with the Devonport City Council to ensure that the Gallery remains
viable.



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