08-03-2001

New solutions for combating Australia's growing dryland salinity risk will be the focus of the seventh national Productive Use and Rehabilitation of Saline Land (PURSL) conference to be held in Launceston, Tasmania, between 20-23 March 2001.

Delegates will learn of new and existing innovative options for managing land affected by or at risk of dryland salinity throughout the landmark event, including personal stories of success by farmers and land managers from across Australia.

Keynote speaker at the conference will be Dr James D. Rhoades, former Director of the United States' Salinity Laboratory. His extensive career in natural resource management has emphasised the development of field instrumentation techniques for assessing soil salinity and the development of management strategies for utilising saline water. Dr Rhoades will address the topic of 'Integrated irrigation/drainage management to sustain irrigation and protect soil and water resources'.

Other speakers at the event include Chair of Australia's National Dryland Salinity (NDSP) Program Alex Campbell, NDSP National Manager Richard Price, PURSL Chair Phil Cole, Centre for the Management of Arid Environments Director Ed Barrett-Lennard and Head of the National Land and Water Resources Audit, Colin Creighton.

Environmental consultant Stephanie Bolt (PPK) and consulting hydrogeologist Phil Dyson will present findings from the NDSP projects Options for the Productive Use of Salinity (OPUS) and the Tools for the Improved Management of Dryland Salinity in the Murray Darling Basin.

NDSP National Manager Richard Price said the conference represented a significant opportunity for the Australian and international community to learn of groundbreaking research and development and the numerous options currently available for managing the dryland salinity risk.

"The PURSL conference will demonstrate innovative, profitable management options that exist for land managers and communities living with or at risk from dryland salinity," he said.

"It will also improve awareness of exciting new research and development projects investigating alternative agricultural systems, new technology and the emerging 'new economy' in profitable, sustainable options for managing saline lands."

ENDS


For further information please contact:

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