Port Macquarie observatory and science centre receives $4.86 million Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund boost

The project will transform the 55-year-old Port Macquarie Observatory into a state-of-the-art facility combining the observatory dome and telescopes with an exhibition and education space, auditorium and the potential for a planetarium.

The redevelopment of the site overlooking Town Beach was made possible through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund jointly funded by the state and federal governments.

Port Macquarie Astronomical Association members are thrilled the project, which has been more than a decade in the planning, will finally become a reality.

President Robert Brangwin said the astronomy and science centre will transform the region beyond its traditional beach tourism potential and will be a point of difference as one of the only centres of its kind on the east coast of the state.

"The new Astronomical Science Centre will make a positive contribution to the district both educationally and economically. The world is on the cusp of new astronomical explorations and visitors to the new Port Macquarie Astronomy Science Centre will have a unique experience of that," Mr Brangwin said.

"There has been a lot of work by a lot of people to get to this stage. It's such a great thing for the whole town. We already attract visitors from all over the place, but to be able to do that on a much larger scale, there will be so many spin off benefits for all the businesses around us.

"We are already pretty unique in what we do and there's really nothing like this between Sydney and Brisbane doing what we do.

"This is a fantastic achievement and will enhance our ability to inspire local, regional and visitor communities to engage with our universe and reach a better understanding of Earth's place in it."

Mr Brangwin lauded the foresight of association members back in the 60s who set the foundation for the observatory's future potential. He said the new centre will look to establish working relationships with national science facilities including Questacon in Canberra.

At a local level, the stories in the stars and sharing the cultural connections between the land and sky will also be an important part of the centre's focus.

"We have the best piece of real estate in Port Macquarie. This incarnation of the project is about bringing people here to the telescope and to have the whole experience," Mr Brangwin said.

Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams said the association's vision will put Port Macquarie on the map.

"The centre will provide the most up to date astronomical experience while also benefitting the local and regional community economically by attracting visitors who will experience a unique opportunity to better understand the wonders of the universe," Mrs Williams said.

Federal Member for Cowper, Pat Conaghan said the centre is among 195 bushfire recovery projects approved across NSW.

"These projects have a focus on drawing people to the region, supporting primary industries to enhance economic and social recovery, create jobs, and improve community resilience for future emergency events," Mr Conaghan said.

"The projects have been identified by the people of Port Macquarie and will make a big difference locally, creating opportunities to increase tourism, employment and economic recovery, as well as building community cohesion and making us more resilient in times of crisis."

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