22-06-2004

Climate research to receive an additional $1million

An additional $1 million for climate research was a vote of confidence in the collaborative approach to agricultural and environmental research being undertaken by the Managing Climate Variability Programme and the Rural Research and Development Corporations, according to Land & Water Australia Chair Bobbie Brazil.

The Managing Climate Variability Programme was established by Land & Water Australia in 2002 to follow a decade of climate research managed under the Climate Variability in Agriculture Programme and its predecessors.

The Program is managed by Land & Water Australia on behalf of the partners, including six other Rural Research and Development Corporations -- the Grains, Rural Industries and Sugar RDCs, Dairy Australia, Meat and Livestock Australia and Australian Wool Innovation through its Land, Water and Wool program -- and the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

The Minister for Agriculture Warren Truss and Minister for Environment David Kemp have today announced funding from the Natural Heritage Trust of $1 million over the next two years for the Managing Climate Variability Program.

Mrs Brazil said the announcement recognised the strength and quality of the research investment and management undertaken by the Rural Research and Development Corporations and their collaborative programs.

"When it comes to delivering well-targeted research that delivers significant benefits for Australian agriculture and natural resource management, the RDCs are second to none," Mrs Brazil said.

"We congratulate the Ministers on responding quickly to the findings of the National Drought Roundtable and recognising that the Managing Climate Variability Programme is in the best position to improve the management of the risks of climate variability.

"The Ministers have also recognised the importance of climate research, not just for our farmers and graziers, but also in the management of our precious natural resources, especially water."

Mrs Brazil said the additional funding for the Managing Climate Variability Programme would enhance work already under way to improve seasonal forecasts and to improve communications of climate issues.

Land & Water Australia was also currently engaged in negotiations with the Murray-Darling Basin Commission and other agencies to deliver more resources to research investigating the implications of climate variability on the availability and management of water resources, Mrs Brazil said.

ENDS

Media enquiries: Media Officer, Land & Water Australia 02 6263 6000