This Seminar Series will bring together managers, researchers, landholders, students and practitioners working in the Murray-Darling Basin on Basin-wide issues. Our aim is to share information, learn from others and to provide a regular opportunity for people to meet and discuss Basin issues. The series is a collaboration between MDFRC, La Trobe, Charles Sturt University, North East CMA and the Murray CMA. Seminars will be held in different venues to showcase workplaces and places of environmental interest in Albury/Wodonga. A changeable feast of local food and wine should make your attendance compulsory
Seminar 1
Ian Burns Director Environmental Hydrology, Murray-Darling Basin Authority
Determining environmental water requirements and the environmentally sustainable level of take
Download Ian's presentation
Seminar 2
9 August 2012 - 4-5pm
Gavin Rees Senior Scientist, Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre
Fish deaths, Azolla and water quality: History and future prospects for the Broken Creek
Extensive growth of Azolla (floating fern), poor water quality and fish deaths have been a part of the recent life of the Broken Creek. This seminar will describe the history of the creek, the research that has led to our understanding of how the undesirable states occur and the management and monitoring strategies that have been put in place. Gavin will also suggest some long term prospects for its management, especially on the back of the 2012 floods.
Download Gavin's presentation
Seminar 3
24 August 2012 - 4-5pm
Jeff Curtis Associate Professor, Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of British Columbia, Canada
An introduction to the past, present and future of water science, policy and management for the semi-arid Okanagan Basin, British Columbia
Jeff's research interests are in landscape and hydrologic controls, and the evolution of water chemistry along flowpaths. Studies from his lab have focused on: relationships between climate, ecosystems and solutes; scavenging of nutrients, metals and organic matter; transformation and fractionation of organic matter leading to changes in functional properties.
Seminar 4
6 September 2012 - 4-5pm
Andrew Briggs Waterways Project Officer, North East Catchment Management Authority
Mobile Biochar Technology Development
The current practice of burning debris heaps from waterway restoration works is attracting increasing scrutiny from community groups and government institutions due to concerns about greenhouse emissions, fire and occupational health and safety. The NECMA has taken a proactive approach to these issues and commenced a project in partnership with Earth Systems to develop a mobile device to convert woody debris into biochar. Following on from a successful feasibility study, a mobile prototype furnace has been developed and is being subjected to extensive field tests prior to the construction of the final commercial unit. This technology represents an extensive reduction in greenhouse emissions, eliminates many of the risks associated with open burning of debris heaps and has significant potential benefits for agriculture and other end uses.
Download Andrew's presentation
Seminar 7
18 October, 4-5pm, CSU - Gordon Bevan Building 673, Board Room on the 5th Floor
Anthony (Rex) Conallin, Catchment Officer - Water from the Murray CMA
Environmental Water Allocations in regulated lowland rivers may encourage offstream movements and spawning by common carp, Cyprinus carpio: implications for wetland rehabitilitation
