Salinity management recognised with new research partnership

By
Tuesday, 23 January, 2001

Charles Sturt University has been recognised nationally for its contribution to the management of natural resources with the announcement it will be a key partner in a new Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).

Federal Minister for Industry, Science and Resources, Senator Nick Minchin, announced a Cooperative Research Centre for Plant-based Management of Dryland Salinity was one of 19 new CRC's to share a total of $325 million over the next seven years.

Senator Minchin said the CRC would focus on managing dryland salinity through the use of profitable, perennial plant-based farming systems.

Other key partners are NSW Agriculture, CSIRO Plant Industry, the WA Departments of Agriculture and Conservation and Land Management, the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment in Victoria and the Department of Primary Industries and Resources in SA.

Mr Cregan said CSU would lead the education program within the CRC, involving farmers, land managers and students.

The new CRC's official commencement date is 1 July 2001 but due to special seed funding of $100 000 from the National Dryland Salinity Program, work will start immediately.

CSU is also associated with CRCs for Sustainable Rice Production, Viticulture, Weed Management Systems and Sustainable Tourism.