• Charles Sturt University and Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment sign agreement for new, strategic partnership
• Agreement will be ‘cornerstone of projects that will inform cybersecurity and biosecurity measures, sustainable management practices, and the preservation of land and water resources’
• Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor John Germov and Department Secretary Andrew Metcalfe AO sign agreement in Canberra

Evidence-based agriculture, water, and environment policy received an important boost today with the signing of a new strategic partnership between the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and Charles Sturt University.

The new arrangement will bring mutual benefits to both organisations, improving research and capability by sharing knowledge and skills.

Charles Sturt University Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor John Germov said the University was delighted to be partnering with the Department in this agreement.

“This agreement will be a cornerstone of projects that will inform cybersecurity and biosecurity measures, sustainable management practices, and the preservation of land and water resources,” Professor Germov said.

“With our connections to primary producers, and expertise and research capability in these fields, Charles Sturt is perfectly placed to help inform the Department’s policies which will shape the future of agriculture in Australia.

“The University looks forward to seeing the tangible outcomes of this agreement, including research, industry and regional engagement, innovation and upskilling.”

Department Secretary Andrew Metcalfe AO said the arrangement formalised the shared vision of both organisations.

“The Australian Government is setting out to grow agriculture, promote sustainable land management and enrich regional communities,” Mr Metcalfe said.

“Our partnerships in regional Australia and with the education sector are critical to success—this agreement delivers both.

“It will also support our regional neighbours to better manage biosecurity threats, providing flow-on benefits to Australia’s biosecurity efforts, agricultural industries and natural environment.

“And it will increase our collaboration with Indigenous landowners and scientists, empowering Indigenous communities to achieve their land use aspirations.”