Dark matter probe on course

A“This development could represent lifetimes of research and that could certainly have a profound impact on the world, let alone Australia, the Wimmera and Stawell” – Murray Emerson

state ministerial party visiting the region has heard that underground scientific work to explore the mysteries of ‘dark matter’ in Stawell might start later this year.

Regional Development Minister Mary-anne Thomas, who visited the Stawell Gold Mine site of Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory, also heard that some experimental projects were already underway.

Ms Thomas used the visit to Stawell last week to announce the start of construction of the laboratory and that Ballarat contractor H. Troon would lead the project build.

Expectations are that the construction of the laboratory will be complete by the end of the year.

Ms Thomas joined University of Melbourne Vice Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell and Centre of Dark Matter Particle Physics director Elisabetta Barberio at an announcement ceremony.

Work at the laboratory, one of only two of its kind globally, will include investigating various aspects of dark matter, which remains one science’s great mysteries despite occupying most of the universe.

The potentially breakthrough work, involving Australian and international scientists, requires cutting-edge research and the particle-interference-free environment offered from a deep underground environment.

Professor Maskell provided insight into the motivation behind the project.

“Dark matter holds galaxies together. If we understand it, we will understand how the universe evolved from the Big Bang to now, and how it might continue to evolve,” he said.

The laboratory, SUPL, will place the Wimmera and Stawell in a unique position in international science, while at the same time provide an economic boost to the regional community.

Expectations are that the laboratory will lead to the creation of 79 full-time-equivalent direct and indirect jobs during the first 10 years of operation. It might also open the door for value-adding projects in Stawell based on education and tourism.

Northern Grampians mayor Murray Emerson said the project was entering an exciting stage.

“It is something that has never happened in the southern hemisphere and I’m very excited to see how it eventuates,” he said.

“Perhaps one day one of our budding students might become a professor of physics and end up working in that environment.

“This development could represent lifetimes of research and that could certainly have a profound impact on the world, let alone Australia, the Wimmera and Stawell.”

The state and commonwealth governments have both invested $5-million towards the project.

Ms Thomas said the project was important and would showcase Victoria’s commitment to cutting-edge research to the world.

“It will also put Stawell on the global map as well as creating more jobs in regional Victoria,” she said.