Media Release
November 21, 2005
Ground-softening research leads way to better irrigation practice
Research by UniSA’s Professor Jennifer McKay into irrigation practice and the attitudes surrounding water use for horticulture and viticulture has prompted a jump in co-operative arrangements between water suppliers and users.
Prof McKay, who heads up the Centre for Comparative Water Laws and Policies, said her research in water use practices at Tintinara and Virginia was used by the prestigious Co-operative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures (CRCIF).
The centre is one of the core partners of CRCIF, along with five other universities, four state government departments, two water service providers, and two national bodies. It has a brief to examine critical issues in Australian irrigation.
In a communiqué issued by the CRCIF promoting change in water use, Prof McKay’s work on System Harmonisation was quoted as best practice to ensure sustainable use of water resources by irrigators.
“Our research has found many examples of differing attitudes between water consumers and water regulators,” Prof McKay said.
“Their attitude to each other is not hostile, they just don’t understand each other’s priorities.
“System Harmonisation is a good way to increase co-operative arrangements, and we believe this is the way forward to sustainable water management and use.”
Prof McKay said the new Natural Resource Management legislation in South Australia was a good example of institutions working together for a sustainable future.
“Irrigators in McLaren Vale and Virginia are leading the country in System Harmonisation, and it’s gratifying to see the work of UniSA on the agenda of the CRCIF.”
Contacts for interview
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Professor Jennifer McKay office (08) 8302 0887 mobile 0408 897 521
email jennifer.mckay@unisa.edu.au
Media contact
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Elizabeth Archer office (08) 8302 0578 mobile 0417 718 051 email elizabeth.archer@unisa.edu.au