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Land and Water Australia should not be wasted
8 May 2009

In response to reports that Land and Water Australia is to be closed, the Australian Academy of Science is deeply concerned that the unique capacities of Land and Water Australia may be wasted in an ill conceived effort to find savings.

Land and Water Australia is a key national agency which manages and funds systematic studies of our national land, water and natural resources.

The anticipated savings from closing Land and Water Australia are $13 million per annum. A consequence of its closure would be the loss of  much-needed expertise and advice to Government and key industries on the effects of climate variability and climate change on agriculture and natural resources, the Murray-Darling Basin, bushfires and food security.

Contrary to recent announcements by other developed countries, it could send a signal that the Government does not appreciate that a way out of the current financial downturn is to invest in research and innovation to strengthen our industries.

The success of Australian agriculture and the resilience of our communities have relied on strong science that meets our national needs.

Authorised by Professor Graham Farquhar, FAA, FRS, Secretary (Biological Sciences)

Contact: Richard Bray: (02) 6201 9452, 0447 679 612, Richard.bray@science.org.au