Journalist: Speaking to us about the light rail, but from Darwin, we should mention why you’re in Darwin. Do you want to share a few insights?

Karen Andrews: Yes, absolutely and I think it’s great that I can be in Darwin and still be a part of what’s happening on the Gold Coast, so thank you for that opportunity. But I’m here in Darwin because we’ve got a research vessel, Joides Resolution, which is an international vessel and we have an Australian scientific contingent on that vessel. They have just spent two months at sea, where everyone has worked a shift roster of 12 hours on, 12 hours off, and they have not left that vessel for two months.

They have been working primarily off the Western Coast of Australia, taking core samples, and some of these samples have been taken up to 2.2 kilometres in depth. So that’s sea level plus 2.2 kilometres below that. What they’re looking at is the sediment, and with these core samples, what has happened predominantly with climate over the last two and a half million years. And in some cases, even a bit further back where they have the very deep core samples.

So it was fascinating to be here to support the scientists and the great work that they’ve been doing. We commit federally about $2 million to this project, so it’s great to be here and welcome these people.

Journalist: 91.7 ABC Gold Coast, wearing a couple of hats today, Member for McPherson Karen Andrews, Assistant Minister for Science, of course also a local member, with a very keen interest in seeing this light rail project continue, we appreciate your time Ms Andrews

Karen Andrews:  My pleasure and it’s great to chat to you again Matt.

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