2006 Media Releases
Thursday, 23 November 2006
La Trobe investigates establishment of Regional Institute for Water Research
The Vice-Chancellor of La Trobe University, Professor Brian Stoddart today announced a major feasibility study to establish an Institute for Water Research based at the University’s regional campuses.
The study is to be jointly funded by the State Department of Education and Training and the University.
‘The University greatly appreciates the support of the Department of Education and Training in our efforts to play a key role in dealing with one of the greatest challenges confronting Australia – the shortage of water,’ Professor Stoddart said.
Consultants will be engaged to work closely with regional communities and water authorities to scope the University’s existing capabilities and to identify research gaps, with a particular focus on regional community needs.
‘The University already has capabilities in areas such as civil engineering, regional community sustainability, water and ecology, water management and water policy,’ Professor Stoddart said.
‘One area of additional focus could be the social impact of water, drawing on the University’s internationally recognised strengths in the social sciences.
'We also have a strong partnership with the Murray Darling Fresh Water Research Centre at Mildura and Albury-Wodonga and would look to develop this further under the new Institute.’
The University has received strong support from its regional campus communities at Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, Shepparton and Mildura.
‘The University looks forward to working with these communities to establish a facility that would play a key role in improving the quality of life in regional Victoria,’ Professor Stoddart said.
The consultant will report to the Department of Education and Training and the University in the first half of 2007.