❓ Question regarding Regional Grants Scheme funding for the Ningaloo Ocean and Earth Research Centre, inquiring about previous plans, duplication of work, construction costs, and fundraising efforts. The answer clarifies previous funding, explains why work isn't duplicated, and outlines progress on cost estimation and fundraising.
AnsweredQoN 2596Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Regional Grants Scheme funding of $145 000 to the Ningaloo Ocean and Earth Research Centre Inc, for a concept plan and business case, and ask -
(1) Has there been any concept plans previously prepared for the Ningaloo Research Centre?
(2) Has there been any business plans previously prepared for the Ningaloo Research Centre?
(3) If yes to (1) or (2), -
(a) were any of these plans funded through the State Government, and if so, what were the sources and amounts of funding; and
(b) why is this work being duplicated through the Regional Grants Scheme funding?
(4) What is the estimated total cost to construct the Research Centre?
(5) What progress, has Ningaloo Ocean and Earth Research Centre Inc, made towards raising money for construction costs?
(1) Has there been any concept plans previously prepared for the Ningaloo Research Centre?
(2) Has there been any business plans previously prepared for the Ningaloo Research Centre?
(3) If yes to (1) or (2), -
(a) were any of these plans funded through the State Government, and if so, what were the sources and amounts of funding; and
(b) why is this work being duplicated through the Regional Grants Scheme funding?
(4) What is the estimated total cost to construct the Research Centre?
(5) What progress, has Ningaloo Ocean and Earth Research Centre Inc, made towards raising money for construction costs?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
9 September 2010
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Regional Development
Response time
71 days
1)
Yes
(2) Yes
(3)
(a) The Ningaloo Ocean and Earth Research Centre (NOERC) Project received two Regional Development Scheme (RDS) grants through the Shire of Exmouth (applicant) for the following:
· 2002 - Round 2 RDS, $72,000 for Stage 1 - to engage consultants to provide Concept Plan.
· The total project cost is $107,476 and includes $10,000 contribution from the Shire of Exmouth.
· $25,476 in-kind contributions from the Shire of Exmouth and Gascoyne Development Commission.
· 2005 - Round 5 RDS, $80,000 for Stage 2 - to professionally prepare feasibility study and business plan, to retain services of Chairperson, and to formulate and launch fund raising campaign.
(b) Work is not being duplicated.
In 2003, architectural firm Sandover Pinder was contracted to provide a concept design for the Ningaloo Ocean and Earth Research Centre. A site at the Exmouth Marina, within a larger parcel of land, known as Superlot E, was assigned for the Research Centre. Based on the work of Sandover Pinder, the building proposed for the site at the Exmouth Marina included modules for research, teaching/training, chalet/dormitory accommodation, government agency offices, boat storage and a centre for public education.
In 2005 the steering committee for the Ningaloo Ocean and Earth Research Centre commissioned a feasibility study and business plan for the proposed research centre. This was completed in March 2006 and was based on the Sandover Pinder concept design. The study concluded that a regionally based research centre could operate successfully. However, such a facility would, at least initially, require stakeholder support for its operating funds. A Trust Fund supported by the major resource companies active in the area was proposed in the study as a base for providing these operating funds. However the Trust Fund model has not proven to be an attractive option for corporate sponsors as it required too large a commitment at one time.
The objective of the current consultancy is to provide a detailed sketch design based on the concept plan and an associated business plan for the proposed Ningaloo Research Centre. The Ningaloo Ocean and Earth Research Centre might be accommodated by a simpler and cheaper design than originally proposed. A review of the basic requirements was undertaken by the steering committee for the Ningaloo Research Centre in May 2009.
The current business plan will directly relate to the sketch design plan of the building and will use this as the basis for calculating recurrent operational costs. The business plan will demonstrate the full financial situation of the Ningaloo Ocean and Earth Research Centre and address ongoing operational funding issues given the original Trust Fund model proved to be unviable. The business plan will explore all avenues for covering the operating costs such as visitor entry fees, corporate sponsorship through neighbouring offshore oil and gas operators, University research teams, grants and possible collocation of government services.
(4) An estimate and detailed breakdown of 2010 costs for the capital works and fit-out is currently being prepared as a part of the current consultancy.
(5) The Ningaloo Ocean and Earth Research Centre has been included as a flagship project on the Gascoyne Regional Development Plan 2010-2020 and as such may be suitable for funding through the Gascoyne Revitalisation funds. The Federal Minister for the Environment, Hon. Peter Garrett has expressed an interest and requested more detailed information which can be presented to him at the conclusion of the current consultancy. The proposed World Heritage listing of the Ningaloo area would make a contribution from the Commonwealth Government appropriate. The NOERC Inc. Steering Committee is currently liaising with the resource sector, in particular those operating in the neighbouring offshore oil and gas fields, who have not only expressed an interest in supporting the Centre but also in utilising the facility to conduct some of their necessary explorative research.
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Yes
(2) Yes
(3)
(a) The Ningaloo Ocean and Earth Research Centre (NOERC) Project received two Regional Development Scheme (RDS) grants through the Shire of Exmouth (applicant) for the following:
· 2002 - Round 2 RDS, $72,000 for Stage 1 - to engage consultants to provide Concept Plan.
· The total project cost is $107,476 and includes $10,000 contribution from the Shire of Exmouth.
· $25,476 in-kind contributions from the Shire of Exmouth and Gascoyne Development Commission.
· 2005 - Round 5 RDS, $80,000 for Stage 2 - to professionally prepare feasibility study and business plan, to retain services of Chairperson, and to formulate and launch fund raising campaign.
(b) Work is not being duplicated.
In 2003, architectural firm Sandover Pinder was contracted to provide a concept design for the Ningaloo Ocean and Earth Research Centre. A site at the Exmouth Marina, within a larger parcel of land, known as Superlot E, was assigned for the Research Centre. Based on the work of Sandover Pinder, the building proposed for the site at the Exmouth Marina included modules for research, teaching/training, chalet/dormitory accommodation, government agency offices, boat storage and a centre for public education.
In 2005 the steering committee for the Ningaloo Ocean and Earth Research Centre commissioned a feasibility study and business plan for the proposed research centre. This was completed in March 2006 and was based on the Sandover Pinder concept design. The study concluded that a regionally based research centre could operate successfully. However, such a facility would, at least initially, require stakeholder support for its operating funds. A Trust Fund supported by the major resource companies active in the area was proposed in the study as a base for providing these operating funds. However the Trust Fund model has not proven to be an attractive option for corporate sponsors as it required too large a commitment at one time.
The objective of the current consultancy is to provide a detailed sketch design based on the concept plan and an associated business plan for the proposed Ningaloo Research Centre. The Ningaloo Ocean and Earth Research Centre might be accommodated by a simpler and cheaper design than originally proposed. A review of the basic requirements was undertaken by the steering committee for the Ningaloo Research Centre in May 2009.
The current business plan will directly relate to the sketch design plan of the building and will use this as the basis for calculating recurrent operational costs. The business plan will demonstrate the full financial situation of the Ningaloo Ocean and Earth Research Centre and address ongoing operational funding issues given the original Trust Fund model proved to be unviable. The business plan will explore all avenues for covering the operating costs such as visitor entry fees, corporate sponsorship through neighbouring offshore oil and gas operators, University research teams, grants and possible collocation of government services.
(4) An estimate and detailed breakdown of 2010 costs for the capital works and fit-out is currently being prepared as a part of the current consultancy.
(5) The Ningaloo Ocean and Earth Research Centre has been included as a flagship project on the Gascoyne Regional Development Plan 2010-2020 and as such may be suitable for funding through the Gascoyne Revitalisation funds. The Federal Minister for the Environment, Hon. Peter Garrett has expressed an interest and requested more detailed information which can be presented to him at the conclusion of the current consultancy. The proposed World Heritage listing of the Ningaloo area would make a contribution from the Commonwealth Government appropriate. The NOERC Inc. Steering Committee is currently liaising with the resource sector, in particular those operating in the neighbouring offshore oil and gas fields, who have not only expressed an interest in supporting the Centre but also in utilising the facility to conduct some of their necessary explorative research.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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