• NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage the Hon. James Griffin visits Charles Sturt in Albury-Wodonga on Friday 11 March
• The Minister was joined by Member for Albury Mr Justin Clancy for a tour of the Aquatic Fish Laboratory and demonstration of soundscapes
• The day focused on showcasing how the University is providing real-life solutions through its research

Charles Sturt University showcased its valuable research during a visit by NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage the Hon. James Griffin, MP, to the University in Albury-Wodonga on Friday.

Charles Sturt hosted Mr Griffin and Member for Albury the Hon. Mr Justin Clancy in Albury-Wodonga on Friday 11 March where they participated in a tour of the Aquatic Fish Laboratory.

Researchers at the Aquatic Fish Laboratory are responsible for national and international research projects and use state-of-the-art equipment, including hyperbaric chambers, flumes simulating river infrastructure, microchipping equipment and a stand-alone aquatic laboratory that simulates the Snowy Mountain environment.

Charles Sturt academics provided a demonstration of soundscapes through the Australian Acoustic Observatory, a partnership with other Australian universities providing an acoustic sensor network, recorded across a five-year period at multiple Australian ecosystems.

The Minister was also updated about other key University initiatives, including fish/irrigation screening, multiple Snowy 2.0 projects, bushfire recovery collaborations with NSW Department of Primary Industries, and a partnership with the Technical University of Munich involving hydropower technology.

It is the second Government visit to Charles Sturt in Albury-Wodonga this week, with Minister Alister Henskens, MP, touring the campus on Wednesday.

Charles Sturt is conducting impactful research in the areas of agriculture, water and environment through the Gulbali Institute of Agriculture, Water and Environment and the $3.6 million Next Generation Water Engineering and River Management Hub.

The University is also shortlisted to receive a share of the $242.7 million Trailblazer Universities Program, which will further strengthen its ability to contribute to research and education to benefit communities, staff and students.

Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon said this visit is an opportunity for the University to showcase the way it is making a difference to the world we live in.

“Charles Sturt University’s researchers – in Albury and across our regional footprint – are producing outcomes which have positive, real-world impacts in regional Australia and across the world,” she said.

“Professor David Watson’s work in soundscapes is a prime example of the unique research the University is undertaking in collaboration with our government and industry partners.

“It will provide an archive of data for future comparisons while giving the wider community new ways to connect with nature.

“I want to thank Minister Griffin and Mr Clancy for visiting Charles Sturt University.”

Mr Clancy said the visit was a way to bring to attention the opportunities for growth and collaboration in the Albury-Wodonga region through the University, government and its partnerships.

“With Minister for Environment and Heritage Mr James Griffin travelling to Albury for the opening of PET-recycling facility, I have encouraged him to visit the Charles Sturt University Aquatic Laboratory, which is a world-class facility that supports national and international research on fisheries and ecology,” Mr Clancy said.

“We value having Charles Sturt University as our local university, which is helping in protecting our environment, which in turn supports the wellbeing of our community.”