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Northern rivers flow through science talks in Canberra

March 10, 2005

Group thumb.jpgThe management of rivers and wetlands in northern NSW so as to protect wildlife and enhance commercial fisheries was among the vital topics discussed by scientists, science educators and politicians in Parliament House, Canberra, this week.

The University of New England is conducting important studies of water-flow management in the Nymboida and Lower Clarence river systems. Professor Andrew Boulton, one of five researchers from UNE who travelled to Canberra for the annual “Science Meets Parliament” program, discussed the implications of these studies with the Member for the northern NSW seat of Page, Ian Causley.

Professor Boulton, from UNE’s School of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources Management, said: “The electorate of Page includes some of Australia’s fastest-growing population regions, and ecologically sustainable coastal and river management is crucial to protect the high environmental value of this area.”

One of the UNE projects is investigating the management of floodgates on the Clarence River near Lawrence. “Many estuarine creeks in this region had floodgates put on them more than 50 years ago, converting them into freshwater wetlands that provide key habitat for water birds such as jacana,” Professor Boulton said. “However, these creeks used to be critical nursery areas for commercially important fish such a mullet and bream, so University staff and students are investigating ways to manage floodgate manipulation to protect jacana but enhance the fishery.”

“Science Meets Parliament” was on Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 March. Dr Heiko Daniel, another of the UNE delegates, reported that, on the second day of the event, more than 100 parliamentarians hosted discussion meetings with small groups of two or three scientists. “The top issues of interest for discussion by parliamentarians included science and the National Water Initiative, dryland salinity, ageing productively, and education and training,” said Dr Daniel, who is Associate Dean (Research) in UNE’s Faculty of The Sciences.

“The advantage for regional universities such as UNE is that we have these issues right on our doorstep,” he explained. “UNE scientists are constantly engaging with regional researchers, agencies, farmers, decision makers and the wider public. This makes UNE a key player when tackling major research issues of national priority, such as improving water use efficiency and maintaining river health.”

The three other UNE researchers who took part in the event at Parliament House are Dr John Stanley (School of Rural Science and Agriculture), Dr Debra Panizzon (National Centre of Science, Mathematics and ICT Education for Rural and Regional Australia), and Linda Agnew (School of Biological, Biomedical and Molecular Sciences).

The Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies organises “Science Meets Parliament”, which brings more than 200 scientists to Canberra once a year. This year’s event was the sixth in the series. As well as meetings between individual politicians and groups of scientists, there were forums on issues of national concern such as climate change, and talks by guest speakers including the Minister for Education, Science and Training, Dr Brendan Nelson.


Media contact: Professor Andrew Boulton, Ecosystem Management, UNE (02) 6773 3760 (or 0428 162 918), or Dr Heiko Daniel on (02) 6773 2080 or Jim Scanlan (UNE Public Relations) on (02) 6773 3049.

The photograph displayed here shows (from left) Dr John Stanley, Dr Heiko Daniel, Dr Debra Panizzon and Professor Andrew Boulton. This and other photogrtaphs are available from Jim Scanlan on (02) 6773 3049.



Posted by Jim Scanlan at March 10, 2005 03:00 PM