15-11-2000

One of Australia's leading hydrogeologists has found that despite the well known threats posed by salinity in Australia, very positive signs are already emerging from national research and development projects.

Dr Richard George, Salinity Program Manager with Agriculture Western Australia, believes as researchers improve their understanding of groundwater systems in certain catchments, very good and specific information can be provided to Australian communities at risk from dryland salinity.

Speaking at the National Dryland Salinity Program 'Salinity Stocktake' in Bendigo, Victoria, Dr George said although every catchment is different, there are sufficient similarities between certain catchments to allow researchers to recommend appropriate management strategies with confidence.

'Where we have this detailed knowledge, we are able to give communities reliable advice on options for treating the problem,' he said.

'Planting trees will seldom be the total answer, and where trees are used it is vital they are planted in the correct location. Research has taught us a lot about where to plant trees for best effect and to predict what benefit we can expect. In some cases, engineering approaches - such as drainage or pumping of saline groundwater will also be necessary. However care is then needed to ensure that we don't create off-site problems.'

Dr George said in the Western Australian wheatbelt, where native flora and fauna is only represented in small reserves, as many as 450 extinctions may result from increased groundwater levels and salinity. Existing infrastructure, such as towns, roads, pipelines, buried cables and rail networks would also become increasingly affected.

But many communities applying management options resulting from research and development have turned a salinity hazard into an asset.

'In the Western Australian wheatbelt town of Merredin, saline groundwater has been pumped to lower the watertable, then desalinated to provide potable water for the town,' said Dr George.

'It is important to remember that although salinity threatens a great deal our landscape, there is land that will never be affected. However, it is essential that we make the conservation of this land a very high priority.'

Dr George was awarded the W.E. Wood Award for excellence in salinity research and development at the NDSP 'Salinity Stocktake' conference by The Hon John Brumby, Victorian Minister for State and Regional Development. The award recognised Dr George's distinguished career in the field of salinity management.

The 'Salinity Stocktake' conference continues this week in Bendigo. A number of field trips are planned for delegates to various salinity management sites in central Victoria on Thursday, while a special seminar on Friday, 17th November 2000 will explore salinity and the law, examining past and present legal frameworks for natural resource management. It will also identify research and development needs to help manage the social and legal implications of dryland salinity relating to both built and natural public and private assets.

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For further information please contact:

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