WIDCORP News
Water and sustainable tourism in dryland regions
Posted: 3 October 2008
La Vergne Lehmann presented her PhD research on dryland tourism at the Third International Sustainable Tourism Conference 2008 in Malta. The conference aims were to explore issues concerned with achieving environmental, social and economic sustainability of tourism alongside the governance mechanisms needed to support sustainable tourism. In particular, the meeting focused on empirical work and case studies from around the world which can offer new insights and best practice in sustainable tourism.
In 2007, La Vergne Lehmann started her PhD with a research focus on valuing water in dryland tourism areas. La Vergne together with her family run a sustainable bush retreat accommodation near the Little Desert National Park at Dimboola. This experience in the industry has driven her interest in sustainable tourism practices, particularly after nearly a decade of drought. La Vergne is conducting her PhD research under the supervision of Associate Professor Ian Clark and Dr Pam McRae-Williams are through the School of Business and the Water in Drylands Collaborative Research Program. More information about the conference is available here.
4th Research Forum Regional Futures 1st July 2008
Grains Innovation Park, Natimuk Rd, HORSHAM
WIDCORP held its 4th Research Forum on Regional Futures.The theme of the forum has emerged as a key research focus of the University of Ballarat. The half-day forum, followed by afternoon workshops, provided an opportunity to learn and share ideas about practical ways forward for the region. Guest speaker Rob Gell shared his vision for sustainable regional futures and clearly identified the challenges we are now facing as a consequence of climate change.David Jochinke a young innovative farmer spoke about his visions for farming in the region stating ' the challenges we are now facing will mean that the region will need to adapt and in some instances rethink current faming practice - something farmers are good at is adapting to change. WIDCORP researchers spoke about their work ranging from how a changing water regime will impact on biodiversity, tourism, regional water use and regional aspirations. The workshop sessions sought to develop research projects to better understand the 'Value of Water' in the Wimmera Mallee. People involved were key researchers, decision-makers and interested community members and the workshops covered projects ranging from post pipeline on-farm water use, decision support systems and optimizing the management of river systems for multiple uses. More information about the forum including links to presentations are available from the conference and events page
Rob Gell to speak at WIDCORP's 4th Research Forum: Register now!
Posted: May 5 2008
WIDCORP will hold its 4th Research Forum on Regional Futures 1st July 2008. WIDCORP forums provide an opportunity for researchers, community members, government agencies and resource managers to share knowledge and discuss a wide range of issues about water and regional sustainability. This event includes a half day forum followed by a half day workshop. In the morning Rob Gell will share his vision for sustainable regional futures followed by young leaders and researchers who will talk about their visions for the Wimmera Mallee region. The afternoon workshop session will provide an opportunity for key researchers, decision makers and interestered community members to be involved in working groups on specific research projects addressing water and sustainability in our region. WIDCORP invite you to attend the forum - Register here to attend the forum or receive further information.
WIDCORP Research of regional significance
Posted: March 28 2008
With the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline now fast tracked, together with cost concerns and the continued pace of water reform, the role of WIDCORP as a regional research program has become more relevant than ever. Moreover a greater recognition of the impact of climate change together with the continued drought highlight the importance of location specific research to inform local thinking about regional sustainability. WIDCORP have commenced and completed important research that is providing valued input into partner decision making and policy development. Building upon 2006 basline studies that identified aspirations and expectations of communities with regards to the Wimmera and Northern Mallee pipelines, research in 2007 focused upon:
Decomissioning of earthen channels and farm dams will mean a loss of water on the floodplains landscape and impacts on local biodiversity. PhD research by Dawn McBride is examining the implications from a socio-ecological perspective.
Wildlife pond open days in the Wimmera Mallee region
Posted: February 29 2008
Jonathan Starks is completing a masters at WIDCORP that addresses the impact of decommissioning channels by installing wildlife ponds to replace open water supply for frogs, birds, and other wildlife. BCG is holding a couple of 'Sticky-Beak Days', an opportunity for farmers and others to have a look at one of these functioning wildlife ponds, see how they operate and learn what's involved in building and maintaining one. The sticky-beak days will also cover topics such as the biodiversity benefits of a pond and the costs involved.
The first one will be held at Moor Park, on the Yarriambiack Creek, on 19 March. This is one of 12 ponds Jonathan is studying as part of his masters project. The events are planned for the morning starting at 9:00 and running for a couple of hours, with morning tea provided. People can contact Jonathan Starks(j.starks@ballarat.edu.au) with their expressions of interest and any questions. More information is also provided in the Sticky Beak Days flyer.Farmer study for the Sustainable Agribusiness Opportunities from the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline program now available on WIDCORP website
Posted: February 11 2008
The study titled "Identifying farmer typologies, perspectives, and aspirations of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline" is now available on the WIDCORP website. A summary of the results has been sent to farmers who participated in the study and who were interested in receiving results. Both the summary and full report is featured on the Publications page. If you are interested in following up on this project contact project leader, Dr Imogen Schwarz: i.schwarz@ballarat.edu.au
WIDCORP completes farmer study for the Sustainable Agribusiness Opportunities from the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline program
Posted: December 14 2007
A significant research project has been conducted which examines implications of a more secure stock and domestic water supply system for a large dryland agricultural region.It identifies key issues, concerns and opportunities as perceived by identified farmer typologies.
A report and a summary of this study will be available on our website in early 2008. If you are interested in following up on this project contact project leader, Dr Imogen Schwarz: i.schwarz@ballarat.edu.au
Photo of pipes at the farm gate, Wimmera Mallee.
WIDCORP announces small business study
Posted: November 18 2007
Small businesses throughout the Wimmera Mallee region are known to suffer the 'ripple effects' of drought and water shortages. However, whilst much attention is focused to the farmer little is written into the effects these environmental conditions have on the rural small business operator.
The University of Ballarat's Water in Drylands Collaborative Research Program (WIDCORP) is about to undertake such a study. Small businesses in Sea Lake and Rainbow, in the Wimmera Mallee region have been asked to participate in a project titled: 'Water, regional development and health: exploring linkages between water reform and the health of small business people in rural dryland Australia'.
Letters have been sent to small businesses to invite their participation, with a view to carrying out the study in November and December. Dr Schwarz, WIDCORP Research Fellow stated, "the study gives the opportunity for rural small business operators to tell their business story and how they have adapted through times of adversity and change".
The research will specifically look at the influence water supply security has on small businesses. The study will explore how small business operators respond to drought and changing regional circumstances.
Dr Schwarz, indicated "Gaining an understanding of small business operators and water infrastructure change would provide the opportunity to build upon this knowledge within related health and regional development policy and programs."
WIDCORP Research Forum
Posted: October 26 2007
On 8th November 2007, WIDCORP held their annual research forum. This year the theme was 'Managing Water in Drylands'. We welcomed interested researchers from Western Victoria. This was an informal forum where information was shared and potential research links explored across agencies involved in research. More information...
Wimmera Mallee Pipeline milestone reached
Posted: October 16 2007
The first leg of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline was officially turned on at Rainbow on Friday 12 October. With this milestone reached, piped water to the region's town and farms will soon become a reality. Recent research by WIDCORP has identified that farmers are positive about the pipeline and are looking forward to a secure supply of improved quality of water on the farm.
The Hon Tim Holding MP, Minister for Water; Barry Clugston, GWMWater Chairman; and John Forrest MP, Federal Member for Mallee
