• State Government commits $6.5million in 2013-14 for new museum project
• Museum to get advanced facilities to care for millions of exhibits
• Welshpool storage facility essential component of new museum project

The Western Australian Museum will get state-of-the-art new laboratories to care for millions of artefacts as part of the State’s new museum project.

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said the museum’s offsite storage facility at Welshpool would be renovated as part of the project to include a world-class wet store and laboratories, fit-for-purpose preparation spaces and new storage options.  

Mr Day said the Welshpool Collections and Research Centre was critical to the success of the new museum project.

The centre plays a key role in the care of the WA Museum’s collection of 4.5 million exhibits and artefacts.

The State Government has committed $428million for the new museum, which is scheduled to open in 2020, in the revitalised Perth Cultural Centre.

Mr Day said $6.5million in 2013-14 would cover the design and renovation of the Welshpool centre.

“The Welshpool facility houses millions of artefacts, objects and specimens that will go on display in the new museum when it’s completed,” he said.

“The new advanced facilities will help care for those irreplaceable and valuable artefacts, including the 24-metre long skeleton of the Antarctic Blue Whale, which was found stranded at the mouth of the Vasse River in 1898.

“This iconic artefact has been kept - literally - under wraps at Welshpool since 2004 and will go on display again in the new museum.

“Museum scientists will use the new facilities to store, clean, prepare and care for exhibits that will be displayed in the new museum.”

The Minister said the announcement confirmed the Liberal National Government’s commitment to a culturally diverse State, in contrast to the Opposition’s plans to scratch the project.

“The $428million museum is the most significant cultural infrastructure project currently under development in Australia and will be a major drawcard for West Australians as well as visitors to the State,” he said.

• $6.5million is the first capital allocation of funding from $155.8million over the forward estimates. This follows an original $5million for planning
• The team that will design and build the museum will be appointed in 2014
• Construction expected to begin in 2016 with doors opening in 2020
• More information at http://www.museum.wa.gov.au/new-museum
• For more information on the Blue Whale visit http://museum.wa.gov.au/research/collections/terrestrial-zoology/mammalogy-mammals-collection/antarctic-blue-whale-skeleton

Minister's Office:
6552 6200

WA Museum:
Niki Comparti
Media and Publicity Officer
08 6552 7805
Niki.comparti@museum.wa.gov.au