Perth Laboratory – Public Seminar Series 2008

WIDCORP and its Research

Dr Pam McRae-Williams
Research Director, WIDCORP

Tuesday 18th March 2008 at 3.30pm, CSIRO Auditorium

Abstract

This presentation will begin by introducing the Water in Drylands Collaborative Research Program and the Wimmera Mallee region of Victoria in which it works. It will then outline the research program and provide an overview of research projects that have been completed or are underway. The research program focuses on two main themes; valuation of water and its uses, and the diffusion of innovation and change relating to major water reform. The structure and the regional location of WIDCORP ensure the research is multidisciplinary in its approach and is undertaken within the community. The research aims to contribute to understanding and informing decisions about the management of water in the Wimmera Mallee region and more widely as climatic variability and major water infrastructure change water availability. Finally, the presentation will provide an overview of the findings of several of their research projects which have explored the expectations and attitudes of communities towards the Wimmera Mallee pipeline, how the associated changes in water regime will impact wetlands and biodiversity and how these factors might change the ‘value’ or the benefits derived from water. These projects give an insight into their research interests and provide a basis for discussion. It is envisaged that this discussion will stimulate ideas and a sharing of related research findings. For more information on WIDCORP view the website at www.widcorp.com

About the speaker

Dr Pam McRae-Williams is the Research Director of WIDCORP. She has strong links with the Wimmera Mallee region growing up in the region and attending high school in Dimboola, Victoria. She has a background in environmental management and obtained her PhD from the University of Ballarat where her research was focussed on regional development. Dr McRae-Williams has achieved a high level of recognition in regional cluster development and sustainability.

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