AUSTRALIA has ramped up its multimillion-dollar bid to host the world's largest and most sensitive radio telescope, before a February decision on where to put the 3000-dish instrument.
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The Square Kilometre Array telescope is an internationally funded project that promises to answer some of the most fundamental questions about the evolution of the universe, including the emergence of the first stars and galaxies.
Australia and New Zealand's joint bid is one of two shortlisted to host the $2.5 billion SKA, with rival South Africa leading a consortium of eight other African nations.
A decision made by the project's international board is due in February, with construction to begin in 2016.
Innovation, Science and Research Minister Kim Carr said that while Australia was confident, nothing would be taken for granted. He said the government was ''throwing everything'' at Australia's $40.2 million bid, now the race was in the home straight.
''Diplomatically, we're putting in a substantial effort,'' he said. ''Our diplomatic posts and chief scientist, as well as a lot of heavy lifting from the Department of Innovation and CSIRO, are almost full-time on it now.''
Australia has spent more than $400 million developing its radio astronomy infrastructure since 2006, including $150 million on projects directly related to the SKA.
This month representatives from the two bid teams will make their final pitch to the SKA site advisory committee in London, before 12 independent experts recommend a preferred site to the SKA board in January.
''An open decision based on the science is something we would welcome,'' Senator Carr said.
''We argue that the Australian bid is stronger on the science because of our radio-quiet core zone, among other things.''
The highly sensitive SKA telescope will require protection from electro-magnetic interference caused by things that create or conduct electricity - electric motors, generators, alternators, radio transmitters and welders.
Both proposed core sites are in remote regions with low population.
South Africa has proposed its semi-desert Karoo region, while Australia has nominated the remote Murchison Shire, in Western Australia's mid-west.
Senator Carr said it was essential the critical scientific criteria of radio quiet informed the final decision.
Without that, the project's discovery potential could be jeopardised, he said.
''Compromise will invariably lead to questions being asked about the scientific merit of the project, and that will weaken financial support for the project,'' he said.
The SKA project involves 20 countries from all over the globe, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
Last week, Australia was one of seven countries to establish the SKA Organisation, which will oversee the project's site selection and pre-construction phase.