[CDU eNews] - IS WATER WASTED IN THE TOP END?

[Peter.Hurt at cdu.edu.au]

A vision for Top End rivers

Drought is gripping much of southern Australia . . . and eyes are turning
enviously to the splendid water resources of the Top End and the tropical
north.

Southerners argue that unused water in the north is being wasted and could
be moved south to support water-scarce areas.

Leading Charles Darwin University research scientist Professor Bob Wasson
says there is growing pressure to develop northern agriculture and water
resources.

"The irrigation potential of the north is of great interest," he says.
"Two-thirds of the average annual run-off of fresh water in Australia is in
the north, little is diverted via dams and weirs and human demand for water
use is low.

"However, it is not a simple matter of just saying, let's divert it. The
ecosystems of southern Australia, especially in the Murray-Darling Basin,
collapsed with disastrous results under agricultural development in less
than a century. Surely we are not about to repeat this?"

Professor Wasson will examine this subject in a Charles Darwin University
public lecture, A new vision for tropical rivers, at the Museum and Art
Gallery of the NT tomorrow (Tuesday May 24).

Professor Wasson says he believes there can be development, providing
strict limits are imposed, but he says more research is needed, too.

"Water in northern Australia is not going to waste. It is fulfilling vital
ecosystem functions and providing services of value to people. For
instance, commercial coastal wild fish stocks depend partially upon river
flow for food, habitat and dispersal. Any reduction of river flow is likely
to lead to a corresponding reduction in commercial fishing hauls.

"There are sound opportunities for agricultural development in the north,
but this should only occur within the context of economics, environmental
protection and maintaining our ecosystem."

Professor Wasson is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at the CDU, with
responsibility for leading the Institute of Advanced Studies. He has an
outstanding research record nationally and internationally and a history of
collaborative research across sectors.

He was previously Director of the Centre for Resource and Environmental
Studies and Dean of Science at the Australian National University.

The lecture is the fourth in a Charles Darwin University series, Research,
Change and the Community. Admission is free, from 5.30pm for a 6pm start.
There will also be music by Brave New Works and refreshments will be
served. Four more speakers are planned for October.


Bob Wasson is available for interview


Peter Hurt
Media Manager
Charles Darwin University
Tel: 08 8946 6019 or 0438 466 439

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