Veterinary science, water and biological solutions will be just some of the issues discussed with Federal Minister for Science, Mr Peter McGauran, during a visit to Charles Sturt University (CSU) tomorrow, Thursday 3 October.

Mr McGauran will arrive at the CSU Wagga Wagga Campus at 12 noon with Federal Member for Riverina Kay Hull, before officially opening the Certified Australian Angus Beef Workshop.

High on the agenda will be discussion about CSU’s submission to the Rural Veterinary Review which addresses the need for the establishment of a veterinary school to train and keep veterinarians in rural and regional areas, according to Faculty of Science and Agriculture Dean, Professor Jim Pratley.

“CSU has developed the concept of ‘training in the country for the country’ in an effort to benefit the rural community and contribute to reversing the negative social impacts of rural decline in Australia,” he said.

“We have been the nation’s leader in the introduction of science-based courses that had only been offered in metropolitan universities – these have included pharmacy, physiotherapy, podiatry and nuclear medicine. I’m looking forward to discussing these issues with the Minister.”

Mr McGauran will also meet with Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research, Professor Paul Burnett, Acting Head of School of Wine and Food Sciences, Associate Professor Chris Steel and Head of the School of Agriculture, Mr Peter Cregan.

CSU research will also be discussed, including projects involving dope testing in racehorses, development of biological control of diseases and weeds, the capability of wheat to control annual ryegrass and the study of roots for soil and water salinity studies.