07 September 2012
The myths and realities about the state’s water supply will be the theme of the University of South Australia’s Successful Ageing seminar this month.
Around 300 people are expected to attend the seminar, which will be presented by two water experts who will discuss the Murray-Darling Basin Plan from legal and scientific perspectives.
Chief Scientist for South Australia, Professor Don Bursill will explain how water is used across the state, and the importance of the River Murray as a sustainable resource.
The Director of UniSA’s Centre for Comparative Water Policies and Laws, Professor Jennifer McKay will talk about legal and regulatory factors governing water resource allocation.
Professor McKay will outline historical Australian water law issues and their impact on the constitution, before suggesting some solutions to achieve sustainable development of water for urban and rural areas.
Professor McKay’s research interests concern regulatory models for the management and allocation of water between competing uses and between competing jurisdictions.
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s principal aim is to manage the Basin’s water resources in the national interest.
Commonwealth Environment and Water Minister, Tony Burke, is continuing to work with the Basin states, allowing state ministers more time to come to a consensus on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
With irrigators, environmentalists and governments divided on key elements on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, confusion exists around what it will mean for those living and working in the Murray-Darling Basin.
“This seminar aims to dispel some of the myths surrounding this immensely important water system,” Professor McKay says.
“It will provide an opportunity to examine the role of regional plans and suggest some new institutional arrangements to improve short and long term sustainable development outcomes.”
The seminar will be held at UniSA’s City West campus in the Barbara Hanrahan Building (ground floor lecture theatre), on Thursday September 27 from 2pm to 4pm. This is a free event but registration is essential – please phone (08) 8302 0160 or email giving@unisa.edu.au
Media contact: Will Venn office 8302 0965 email Will.Venn@unisa.edu.au
