The capacity of rural communities to cope with changed climate conditions will be discussed at a symposium at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga this week. Organised by the EH Graham Centre and NSW Department of Primary Industries, the symposium will feature presentations from a number of CSU staff and students. CSU PhD student, Ms Katrina Sinclair, will outline the experience of the Wakool Shire in southern NSW, where a project involving CSU researchers is helping the community reinvigorate itself in the face of reduced water allocations. She said the challenges of  a changing climate combined with economic and social pressure means some farmers will need to prepare for fundamental change. “My research is exploring the ways government and organisations can help farmers and communities respond to a future that is desirable, viable and durable.”  The symposium will be attended by more than 100 people from the NSW DPI, CSU and Bureau of Meterology.