Australia is the driest continent on earth and has much to both learn and teach about water management, according to the Professor of Hydrology at Charles Sturt University (CSU) who will speak as part of CSU Week at NSW Parliament House on Wednesday 2 April.

 

Professor Shahbaz Khan joined CSU in 2004 and is Director of the International Centre for Food Security at CSU Wagga Wagga. He is internationally regarded as a world expert in hydrology and water management, and will address NSW parliamentarians and guests at a luncheon lecture, Footprints of water and energy inputs in food production – an Australian and global perspective.

 

“I emphasise the importance of international linkages to address the challenges of water scarcity and climate change,” Professor Khan said.

 

“Australia can learn from other countries, such as China, about how to develop water saving methods, and can show other nations Australia’s leading knowledge in integrated water resource management.

 

“The hydrology of Australian water systems is very similar to many other arid countries in the world. With our heavy soils, higher climate variability, and growing competition between various sectors in the Australian economy for water resources, it is crucial that we use all the world’s knowledge to get our management right,” he said.

 

Professor Khan has recently been appointed as UNESCO’s Chief of the Sustainable Water Resource Development and Management and will also head the UNESCO Hydrology for Environment, Life and Policy program in Paris, which co-ordinates international scientific research into water resource management. He will remain an adjunct professor with CSU.

 

CSU is the first university invited to feature its work at NSW Parliament House. ‘CSU Week’ began on Monday 31 March. The week will feature a display about CSU, luncheons, special guest lectures, the launch of the CSU Centre for Indigenous Studies, and a cocktail party for CSU alumni and guests on Thursday evening.

 

The work of photographic students and staff from the University’s School of Visual and Performing Arts will also feature in a special display that tells the story of CSU and its role in the lives of our inland communities.

 

Dignitaries attending CSU Week include the Member for Bathurst, Mr Gerard Martin, MLA, the Chancellor of CSU, Mr Lawrie Willett, AO, and the Vice-Chancellor and President of CSU, Professor Ian Goulter.