19-08-1999

The salinity crisis that now threatens nearly a quarter of Australia's agricultural lands was first heralded 75 years ago by a Western Australian engineer, Walter Ernest Wood.

In 1924, Mr Wood published the first scientific paper identifying the source of salt (rainfall), the way it is stored in the soil and released into soil and streams following the clearing of native vegetation in the wheatbelt of Western Australia. Earlier pioneers had identified parts of the salt story but Wood was the first person to accurately describe all of the main processes.

Today, Mr Wood's prophetic observations are being recalled in the presentation of an award commemorating his achievement. The award is being presented to a leading Australian scientist, Dr Tom Hatton of CSIRO Land and Water.

Dr Hatton has been at the forefront of national work on dryland salinity for the last ten years, including pioneering research into how much water, trees and vegetation can be removed from the soil - and how their removal affects the hydrological balance.

Dr Hatton's research into the use of water by trees on a landscape scale indicated it may be necessary to turn a significant part of the rural landscape back to trees or other perennials if we are to check rising saline groundwaters.

Dr Tom Hatton also notes that a range of measures will have to be taken to reduce further damage to rural production, biodiversity and rural and urban roads and buildings. He urges communities, landholders and governments to increase their commitment to managing salinity.

Mr Alex Campbell, Chairman of the Board of the National Dryland Salinity Program said in addition to his outstanding research record, Dr Hatton had made great efforts to communicate his findings and possible solutions to agencies, governments and communities affected by salinity.

'Unquestionably, he has been responsible for helping to raise the public profile of salinity as a challenge of national significance to all Australians,' Mr Campbell said.

'He has also been a leader in devising models which encompass water, soils and land forms, and which can predict the impact of human land uses on whole catchments. These will be crucial in devising solutions to salinity.'

The W.E.Wood Award will be presented by Hon Hendy Cowan, Deputy Premier of Western Australia, to Dr Tom Hatton at Fraser's Restaurant, Kings Park today at 8 a.m. - 9 a.m., Thursday, August 19, 1999 at the launch of the National Dryland Salinity Program Phase 2.

For further information please contact:

Please contact Land & Water Australia
Email: land&wateraustralia@lwa.gov.au
Phone: 02 6263 6000