14-11-2000

Up to 1000 rural towns across Australia could be at risk from dryland salinity within 50 years, new estimates from the National Land and Water Resources Audit (NLWRA) released today have found.

By the year 2050, some 52,000 kilometres of major roads and 3600km of railways could also be affected by salinity.

The outcomes from the Natural Heritage Trust-funded research were released at Australia's National Dryland Salinity Program (NDSP) 'Salinity Stocktake' conference in Bendigo, Victoria, today.

Highlights from the first day of the conference included keynote addresses from The Hon John Brumby MP, Victorian Minister for State and Regional Development; The Hon Wilson Tuckey MHR, Federal Minister for Forestry and Conservation and Mr John Ross, President of the Australian Local Government Association.

The data released by the NLWRA also showed the area of Australia's native remnant vegetation at risk from salinity could treble in the next 50 years. An estimated 1,900,000 hectares of remnant native vegetation, especially river side vegetation and associated ecosystems, is at risk from salinity.

NDSP national co-ordinator, Nicholas Newland, said dryland salinity was an issue that would affect most Australians - either now or in the future.

'Research currently funded through NDSP seeks to provide the information base for development of solutions, policies and action plans to tackle the problem,' said Mr Newland.

'The Audit and other NDSP information provide an excellent basis for taking the next step. The big challenge is to translate it into action across those States at risk from increasing salinity.

'The 'Salinity Stocktake' conference has demonstrated there is unanimous recognition from the three key levels of government about the seriousness of the issue. In addition, there needs to be greater recognition of the social and economic implications of salinity on the Australian community as a whole.'

Also announced today was the winner of the inaugural WE Wood Award for excellence in salinity research and development. Recipient of the award was Agriculture Western Australia Salinity Program Manager, Dr Richard George. The award recognised Dr George's distinguished career in the field of salinity management.

The 'Salinity Stocktake' conference continues this week. A special seminar on Friday, 17th November 2000 will focus on 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.

Ends

For further information please contact:

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