• Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP, visited Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga in August

Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP, visited Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga in August to explore the innovative research and teaching facilities on offer in science and agriculture.

Minister McBain toured the University’s Rhizolysimeter, Global Digital Farm, Veterinary Clinical Centre and Equine Isolation Facility and the National Life Sciences Hub (NaLSH), as well as hearing from leading researchers in areas like biosecurity, grains and parasitology.

Charles Sturt University Head of Government Relations Ms Samantha Beresford said it was a pleasure to welcome Minister McBain to the University to witness first-hand the nation-leading work underway.

“Charles Sturt University is a leader in innovation across a range of critical industries, but our work in agriculture and science is particularly notable,” Ms Beresford said.

“It was wonderful to be able to showcase this to Minister McBain through our NaLSH and interact with our Global Digital Farm technologies in Wagga Wagga and help facilitate meaningful conversations around how we can leverage the University’s work to benefit the regions into the future.”

A key component of the Minister's visit was also the opportunity to talk with Veterinary Science students who are addressing the workforce shortages being felt right across regional Australia.

“These individuals, upon completion of their degree, are all eager to work in rural mixed practices and embody what Charles Sturt does best – producing graduates with hands-on experience who are committed to the prosperity of regional Australia,” Ms Beresford said.

Minister McBain said Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga continues to be at the forefront of Australia’s agricultural and science innovation.

“The Wagga Wagga region has a proud history of leading research into how we can boost the productivity, sustainability and resilience of our growers,” Minister McBain said.

“This is an industry that touches every community and underpins our national economy, which is why it was fantastic to see the ground-breaking work underway at Charles Sturt – work that will strengthen and diversify the future of our food production and agricultural sector.”

Minister McBain toured the Rhizolysimeter, which is the largest root growth and soil water research facility in the Southern Hemisphere, containing 96 intact soil monoliths (2500mm height and 740mm inside diameter) encased in 6mm steel tubes.

The tour also showcased the NaLSH, which is a state-of-the-art scientific research, learning and teaching complex constructed to strengthen and grow national education and research excellence in areas such as plant and animal sciences, food production and security, animal health and water and environmental sciences.

Ms Beresford said the tour concluded with research showcases by both University Professors and PhD candidates.

“Charles Sturt is a leader in scientific research and some examples of this were shared with Minister McBain, including the impact of sorghum-derived phenolic compounds on cancer development pathways, using ‘big data’ to predict rice quality prior to harvest and even research around parasites of Australian native ducks,” she said.