The Institute for Land, Water and Society is one of four Centres of Research Excellence within Charles Sturt University, Australia. Its principal focus is on integrated research which contributes to improved social and environmental sustainability in rural and regional areas.
What's new:
Neonicotinoid ban eases the stress on bees 
News that the European Union (EU) has restricted the use of neonicotinoid insecticides was welcomed by scientists, farmers, beekeepers and politicians around the world. ILWS PhD candidate Manu Saunders commented on the implications for other pollinators and the Australian context in The Conversation
Apadptation Policies for Wetlands Workshop
A two-day workshop to discuss what information Australia needs to meet its international obligations for its inland and coastal wetlands covered by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands has been hailed has “very forward-looking and very interesting” according to international wetland expert Prof Nick Davidson. Read more
Prof Max Finlayson was interviewed on ABC Rural on Friday April 26 about Kakadu and other wetlands and the need to protect them. http://www.abc.net.au/rural/telegraph/content/2013/s3746136.htm
Costs and benefits of farm finance package: ILWS expert
An ILWS expert in international trade has highlighted the costs and benefits of the farm finance support package announced last weekend by the Federal government. (‘Farmers offered package to help solve debt woes’, ABC News, 27/04/13)
Professor John Hicks ILWS Professor of Economics, believes Australian farmers are not on a ‘level playing field’ in world agricultural trade, and there is some justification for the Australian government to support struggling farmers, but at a cost to the Australian taxpayer. Read more
Canadian expert at Regional Rail Revival forum in Blayney- Friday May 10
A Canadian rail expert will speak at a seminar in Blayney on Friday 10 May about the potential for the redevelopment of freight railways in regional areas and how interstate and overseas railways have been revived for national and local benefit.
The Regional Rail Revival seminar at the Blayney Community Centre is hosted by Charles Sturt University (CSU), Blayney Shire Council and Lachlan Regional Transport Committee, with the support of Cowra, Harden, Weddin, and Young Shire Councils. Speakers include Mr Ed Zsombor, Director of Rail Services, Province of Saskatchewan, Canada; Mr Bryan Nye, CEO Australasian Railway Association; Mr Frank Lander, Senior Policy Officer, Department of Transport Victoria; and adjunct Associate Professor Ian Gray, ILWS. Read more
Events
Regional Rail Revival A seminar exploring the future for
regional railways in New South Wales
Blayney Community Centre
Friday 10 May 2013,
9.30 am - 12.30pm. RSVP by 2 May to Anne McKellar: amckellar@blayney.nsw.gov.au
For more details contact Associate Professor Ian Gray FLYER PDF