Call For Federal Support Of Northern Australian Research

Member for Lingiari and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Northern Australia and Indigenous Affairs Warren Snowdon today called on the Federal Government to back the Northern Australian research effort as a prelude to any development.

Mr Snowdon said the prospect of the Northern Water Task Force heightened the importance of a solid research basis for new agricultural or pastoral development.

'The drought has been biting down South and the Government has started to sit up and take notice,' he said.

'But that doesn't mean we should simply accept more development without a profound understanding of its potential impacts on our rich, but vulnerable, terrestrial and marine environments.

'We've got a solid research base in social science, health, the complexities of arid zone living and alternative and energy-saving technology.

'But let's not lose sight of the fact that this government has shut down research in areas that are critical to building up our agricultural and pastoral base because they help us understand the patterns of land and water use that will be sustainable for us.

'The CSIRO's Berrimah agricultural research station was shut down, the Weeds Cooperative Research Centre has been defunded and the Tropical Savannas CRC will not be refunded after its current funding period, which leaves a huge gap.

'As well as new research support for Northern development, we need the government to support the way we do business in the North.

'We understand that collaboration between all players, and particularly involving Indigenous people, is central to appropriate and sustainable development.

'You need Indigenous environmental knowledge on board if you want to develop the land and I am happy to see that the Northern Water Task Force has invited all the key players, including industry and Aboriginal organisations, to join.

'If you want to sidestep carpetbagging schemes and build sustainable development, you can't go wrong with sound research and constructive partnerships like this,' Mr Snowdon said.

2007-03-28