Super computer in WA

The Western Australian state government has given in-principle support to plans to establish one of the world's largest commercial super computers in Western Australia.

The proposal seeks to establish a super computer that has the potential to contribute significantly to the growth of a knowledge-based economy in WA and boost the state's infrastructure for research and innovation.

Premier Geoff Gallop recently said the government had given in-principle support for a $30million loan to establish the infrastructure. The government's support is conditional on a number of commercial and legal issues being resolved.

"The proposal to establish a super computer offers a significant opportunity to boost the state's infrastructure for research and innovation, and is consistent with our innovate WA policy that we took to the last election," Dr Gallop said.

"To be a successful state in the modern economy we must ensure our science and innovation base is strong and that we have the capability to transform research and invention into products."

An economic analysis prepared by Syme Marmion estimates that the super computer could directly create up to 1,240 jobs in WA.