27-06-2002

New relationship good news for the environment

Scientists, policy makers and environmentalists witnessed a marriage of a different kind in Canberra this week.

A ''Science in the paddock'' breakfast briefing held yesterday signalled the start of a new relationship between Land & Water Australia and Greening Australia.

The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see them working together nationally for improved sustainable resources.

''Land & Water Australia has an outstanding scientific knowledge base developed through ten years of productive research funding and partnerships,'' said Andrew Campbell, Executive Director of Land & Water Australia.

''We want to see this knowledge applied in the productive and better management of the land, water and vegetation resources underpinning Australia's primary industries and regional communities.''

''Greening Australia's national network will ensure that the best available science reaches landholders, businesses and communities across the nation,'' said Chief Executive, Carl Binning.

''Greening Australia has a national network of some 300 specialists based in 80 locations across the nation. We'll use the research commissioned by Land & Water Australia to work with the community, business and government in restoring and repairing Australia's landscapes.''

CSIRO Ecologist, Dr David Freudenberger was the guest speaker at the first ''Science in the paddock'' briefing.

''Landholders are increasingly being asked to meet targets for reducing salinity, improving water quality and increasing biodiversity,'' said Dr Freudenberger.

''So we need to find better ways to get science out into the paddock. This new relationship between Land & Water Australia and Greening Australia is a step in the right direction because it's a meeting of sound science and extensive networks.''

Dr Freudenberger concluded that three factors were critical to the effective repair of the landscape.

''We need motivated people + scientific knowledge + community capacity to effectively translate policy into action on the ground.''

For more information about future 'Science in the paddock' briefings contact:

Media Officer, Land & Water Australia Tel: (02) 6263 6000
Greening Australia Tel: (02) 6281 8585