• Charles Sturt University has partnered with Murray Irrigation - Australia’s largest private environmental and irrigation water supplier 
• Collaboration will foster education, research, and business cooperation to tackle environmental sustainability and workforce shortages, while progressing economic growth, industry relationships and more

Charles Sturt University’s Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment has partnered with Murray Irrigation - Australia’s largest private environmental and irrigation water supplier – to tackle multiple environmental, workforce and economic goals.

The partnership commenced in 2022 with the official memorandum of understanding (MOU) being signed earlier this year. The MOU aims to achieve collaboration on education, research and business cooperation in several key areas in the environmental and agricultural sectors.  

University objectives of the partnership include:

• Enhancing research excellence
• Fostering regional economic growth
• Providing valuable education and workforce development opportunities
• Promoting innovation
• Engaging with First Nations knowledge
• Offering interdisciplinary solutions
• And addressing global challenges in environmental and agricultural sustainability  

Executive Director of the Gulbali Institute Professor Lee Baumgartner said the benefits of partnering with Murray Irrigation would be far-reaching for both parties and local communities.

“Partnering with Murray Irrigation will enhance Charles Sturt University’s research capabilities while giving us access to new facilities to support future research work in water management, biodiversity, sustainable water systems and sustainability,” Professor Baumgartner said.

Chief Executive Officer of Murray Irrigation Mr Ron McCalman said Murray Irrigation is looking forward to working alongside Charles Sturt’s Gulbali Institute.

“Education, environment and sharing knowledge for positive outcomes and proactive solutions is important within the Murray Irrigation footprint and we’re excited to see the results of this partnership,” Mr McCalman said.

Additional focus areas of the partnership include establishing industry-based internships between Charles Sturt and Murray Irrigation for students across various disciplines; co-creating educational programs and offering micro-credentials and short courses; and exploring opportunities for sponsorship and scholarships, including those for First Nations communities.

Professor Baumgartner said the University was optimistic the partnership would further support career outcomes for graduates from diverse backgrounds along with providing real-world on-the-job experience before graduation.

ENDS