ANSTO is inviting its local community to share their views with the organisation in a series of independently facilitated Community Discussions, the first of which is being held at 5.45 (for a 6.15pm start), 22 June 2004 in the Sutherland Shire area.
“The discussions provide an opportunity for ANSTO to listen to the community and present information to attendees on topics of interest to them,” said ANSTO Executive Director, Dr Ian Smith.
“Market research recently undertaken identified local residents would like to know more about ANSTO operations and its science,” Dr Smith continued. “The Community Discussions are one of the means we are implementing to address this.
“We are also eager to update the community on construction progress of the replacement research reactor (RRR). We understand there is a great deal of interest in the RRR, not least because it is Australia’s single most significant scientific investment and its construction is injecting considerable amounts of money into the local economy.”
Dr Smith said that ANSTO is strongly committed to ensuring open and ongoing dialogue with the local community.
“We hope the Community Discussions will prove to be a valuable opportunity for dialogue for those of us whose home or work is close to ANSTO,” said Dr Smith. “We encourage anyone interested in our organisation, the RRR or the applications our science has in the fields of health, the environment and industry to come along.”
While the first Community Discussion will have a RRR focus, ANSTO encourages community members to contact its Community Liaison Officer, Carolyn Agocs, with any issues or questions they would like to see addressed through the Discussion.
Once acceptances are received all potential attendees will be notified of the venue and it will be posted on ANSTO’s website, www.ansto.gov.au
It is anticipated the Discussions will occur every few months.