Well for my part I too see the greatest promise for visual astronomy in the high plateau of the Aussie Antarctic Territory.
As for visionary government .... they will only be as visionary as we prompt them to be.
Best way to do that (for Astronomy) is to get out there & educate, inform, entertain the public about science & Astronomy.
Who is doing a National Science week event in 2006?
There is usually some funding available !
https://sciencegrants.dest.gov.au/NI...es/Grants.aspx
We did one in 2004 & it was very successful, I am hoping for enough support for an event in 2006.
Please don't take this as a sign of support for the current federal Govt, I have strong philosophical & moral objections to many of their policies.
But there are still opportunities for us all to improve things.