Tamworth is one step closer to becoming an integral part of the all new Inland Astro Trail with a new $1.8 million astronomy centre to open the doors by the end of the year.
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The Tamworth Astronomy Club has been going from strength to strength in recent years, and this week finally submitted a Development Application for the Regional Astronomy and Science Centre to be built on Victoria Park beneath the Botanical Gardens.
Club member and deputy mayor Phil Betts said it was not just an extremely exciting time for the club, but also the region.
“We have got some very serious scientific instruments here including a Hewitt Camera, but unlike other centres ours will be open to schools and the public, not just researchers,” he said.
“We have got beautifully clear skies out here and this centre will draw people in from all over the land.”
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Later this week Mr Betts is heading to Parkes to further plan the proposed 700km Inland Astro Trail which will stretch from the Mt Stromlo Observatory in Canberra, incorporating over 12 “world-class research telescopes, numerous private observatories, and hundreds of astro-heritages sites” including Tamworth, Narrabri and Armidale.
“That trail will draw thousands of people inland and create a whole new tourism dynamic to Tamworth,” Mr Betts said.
“We have also put in for a federal grant enhance the surrounding area of Victoria Park as well.”
The initial $1.8 million came from the State Government’s Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund, and member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said it will “help Tamworth become a must-see destination.”
“The grant will help fund a new observatory with a roll-off roof to house large telescopes, a second observatory also with a roll off roof to house a historic telescope, a planetarium, and an education space for hands-on science programs,” he said.
“People travel to Iceland to see the Northern Lights or South Carolina to see a solar eclipse, now everyone can travel to Tamworth to see and learn about the incredible astronomical sites in regional NSW on the 700 kilometre Inland Astro-Trail.”
Work on the centre is expected to begin midway through the year with and estimated finish date in late December.
