Charles Sturt University has been awarded $1,011,400 to deliver science courses in water management and salinity education around Australia over the next three years.

Dean of the CSU Science and Agriculture Faculty Professor Jim Pratley welcomed the Federal Government funding announced this week for the National Irrigation Education Initiative - a joint venture by Charles Sturt University and the Irrigation Sector.

"This project is a true investment in the future for one of our major production sectors," he said.

"The Irrigation Industry, through its support, has encouraged the Federal Government to contribute to this major education initiative to sustain its future. The project provides a coordinated approach in education to two of the most important issues of national significance - the management of water under the national water reform agenda, and the need to address the burgeoning salinity problems besieging the nation's irrigated and dryland areas and associated waterways."

Professor Pratley said that despite the importance of the irrigation sector to the national economy, the sector's education needs had not been addressed. These deficiencies had been identified through a national survey, and would be addressed by the National Irrigation Education Initiative.

The initiative also aimed to attract more school leavers into science studies through innovative approaches to course design and delivery, and to encourage industry to invest in science education and training.

The project identifies the need to educate water users and their advisers to adopt best practices to limit national resource degradation and maximise water use efficiency.

Industry partners working with CSU on the irrigation education initiative are: the Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Rice Production; Rice Growers Association of Australia; Murray Irrigation; Coleambally Irrigation; McCaughey Memorial Institute; and CSIRO Land and Water.

The grant was announced on Tuesday by Education, Training and Youth Affairs Minister, Dr David Kemp, as part of a $9.8 million allocation for biotechnology skills and science careers.

"It is good to see industry collaborating with universities to provide input on the directions of scientific development, so that universities can be commercially responsive to market needs and research scientists are rewarded and recognised for their work," Dr Kemp said.

Federal Member for Riverina Mrs Kay Hull said: "I am pleased the Government has acknowledged the strong contribution that universities such as Charles Sturt make to the advancement of Australia's skill base through their strong industry links, teaching and research strengths."