The concept of a marine research centre located in the Gascoyne area of Western Australia was first put forward in 1989 and various options were investigated without being progressed. In 1994 the Gascoyne Development Commission, supported by Curtin University, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, Department of Fisheries and the Department of Environment and Conservation, proposed a marine research centre be located in Exmouth. An initial feasibility study was conducted in 1999. In 2003, architectural firm Sandover Pinder were contracted to provide a concept design for the Ningaloo Research Centre. A site at the Exmouth Marina, within a larger parcel of land, known as Superlot E, was assigned for the Research Centre. Download the location map (PDF 160kB) The Ningaloo Ocean and Research Centre project is guided by a steering committee that is comprised of representatives from the Gascoyne Development Commission, Shire of Exmouth, Exmouth community, Curtin University, Department of Fisheries, Department of Environment and Conservation Department of Transport. Over the past four years the steering committee for the Ningaloo Research Centre has engaged with potential stakeholders, investors, supporters and end users nationally. In 2005 the steering committee for the Ningaloo Research Centre commissioned a feasibility study and business plan for the proposed research centre. This was completed in March 2006 and was based on the Sandover Pinder concept design. Download the concept design (PDF 1.3MB)