Funding for the centre was due to run out, today, Wednesday, 30th June.

Last month, after former treasurer, Troy Buswell's resignation, the WA State Government threw the GDC a $35,000 lifeline and yesterday, provided another $178,000 to remain open while an independent report into the finances and possible sources of new funding.

This last minute decision has prevented a $960,000 Commonwealth research grant from expiring, unspent.

The grant will fund research into the most effective ways to encourage student interests in science.

Director of the Australian International Gravational Research Centre of WA, Professor David Blair, said the decision to allocate funding was fabulous and would allow the centre to operate for the rest of the year.

Minister for Science, Bill Marmion said: “The Gravity Discovery Centre is a popular WA science education facility which I have supported for many years and I want to see it continue to succeed.

“The centre has a dedicated board, committed staff and great community support. But without a realistic business plan and an efficient operation, no commercial venture can succeed.”

For this reason the Department of Commerce is commissioning and funding an independent report that will identify areas for operational improvement and appropriate funding sources to help secure the centre’s future viability.

The report will be made available to the centre’s board so they can use it to improve operations, management and business linkages and is due for completion by the end of September.

About 20,000 people visit the GDC every year. Nearly $8 million has already been invested in the GDC, since it opened in 2004.