A new Professor in Environmental Science will be established within CSU’s Faculty of Science and Agriculture at Wagga Wagga and will focus on aquatic ecology. A new Professor of Water Policy will also be based at CSU’s Wagga Wagga Campus.

These two positions will be part funded by CSIRO Land and Water.

A third professorship in Environmental Management will be based at the University’s Albury -Wodonga Campus and will examine the integration of environmental and socio-economic agendas in the Murray-Darling Basin. 

CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Goulter and CSIRO Land and Water Chief Dr John Williams will announce the three new chairs during tomorrow’s national Wealth from Water Conference at CSU > see news release.

Professor Goulter believes the agreement with the CSIRO will enable CSU to build on the already strong links with Australia’s premier research organisation.

“It is also in line with the University’s aims to establish collaborative links and to produce high quality research of significance to its region as well as in the national and international arena,” Professor Goulter said. 

Dr Williams indicated the collaboration strengthens CSIRO’s commitment to The Living Murray Program, which includes the Murrumbidgee River.

“It will also provide a valuable link between our Canberra, Griffith and Albury operations and take advantage of CSU’s expertise in irrigation, agriculture and sustainable futures,” added Dr Williams.

A joint CSU - CSIRO committee has been formed to search for the appropriate scientists of international standing to fill the three chairs and it is expected that all appointments will be made by the second half of 2003.