Northern Australia Irrigation Futures

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and decision making regarding irrigation in northern Australia

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Media Release - Water on agenda at Burdekin forum

17 August 2006

The Burdekin community has an opportunity to learn from international experience in planning and managing its water resources.

The Lower Burdekin Water Forum on August 24 will give farmers and other stakeholders a chance to learn more about water and environmental management from both a national and international perspective.

“This forum will help the Burdekin community participate more confidently in debate and decision-making about future management of water and hence their environment,” said Dr Keith Bristow of the CSIRO Davies Laboratory in Townsville.

Dr Bristow leads the Northern Australia Irrigation Futures (NAIF) project, which is hosting the forum in conjunction with the Burdekin Shire Council and the CRC for Irrigation Futures.

He said water had become one of the top agenda items nationally and internationally, and was an issue for the whole community.

“This forum will assist the local community in developing and implementing water management strategies that deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the lower Burdekin.”

International water resources expert Professor Henrique Chaves will talk on the Watershed Sustainability Index, an integrated indicator of the health of water systems which he is developing.

Professor Chaves, from the University of Brasilia, has published widely in the areas of watershed hydrology, water management and water conservation. He is also the Brazilian Coordinator for the UNESCO-IHP Hydrology, Environment, Life & Policy (HELP) Program, which aims to bridge the science, policy, management divide.

“Like Australia, Brazil is one of the world leaders in integrated water resource management and I have no doubt that we can learn from their experiences,” Dr Bristow said.

Burdekin Mayor Lyn McLaughlin will open the forum on August 24. It will start at 7.30 pm in the Ayr Showgrounds Hall, cnr Edward and Craig Streets, Ayr, QLD. Attendance is free.

Further information about the Water Forum and speakers is available at www.clw.csiro.au/naif/

For further information:
Dr Keith Bristow Ph: 07 4753 8596 or 0408 468 941 Email: Keith.Bristow@csiro.au

To view the research bulletins and technical reports go to: www.clw.csiro.au/naif/

Media Assistance:
Helen Beringen, Water for a Healthy Country Flagship, Ph: 0418 770 140 Email: Helen.Beringen@csiro.au