Media releases

JOINING THE DOTS ON URBAN WATER AND POPULATION
8 March 2007

Practical, down-to-earth steps to achieve the vision of sustainable water supplies for Australia's general and business communities are the main focus of an important and very different conference next week organised by the nation's peak science body, the Australian Academy of Science.

The 2007 Fenner Conference on Water, Population and Australia's Urban Future will examine the critical and increasingly shaky relationship between water and population in shaping Australia's urban areas and the ever-expanding suburban fringe.

But this is not the first conference on the water crisis this year and it probably won't be the last. What makes it different is the Academy's recognition that local responsibilities and action reflect on national water policy and action - and its determination to bring together the key players at all levels to seek creative solutions.

That's why the event will include people who are dealing with the public on issues and implications every day - mayors, councillors and other key local figures - as well as a host of experts in related scientific research, business, water usage, irrigation and government.

Keynote speaker is internationally-renowned climate change and sustainability expert and Academy Fellow Dr Graeme Pearman, who will turn the spotlight on our future prospects for living in a dry climate.

Academy President Professor Kurt Lambeck says: 'Endless disjointed airing of the issues already has seen too much water under the bridge. It's critical that we move on, join the dots between the experts so that they can broaden their perspectives and get down to the practical business of not only finding but agreeing on solutions and translating them into action. That's the purpose of this two-day conference.'

Conference sessions include population movement, climate change, national water policy, science-based planning for water and population in high-growth 'sea-change' areas and innovative solutions for water management.

Notes for news editors:

• For more detailed information on the conference and key speakers, go to: http://www.science.org.au/events/fenner2007/index.htm

• A professional photographer will be covering the event if you need images