Charles Darwin University (CDU) and Greening Australia have won $44,000 to create a cutting edge water saving nursery at CDU’s Alice Springs campus.
Greening Australia, with the support of CDU, applied for a community water grant offered by the Australian Government as part of the National Water Initiative.
The funds will be used to develop the nursery into a model of efficient water management.
CDU horticultural co-ordinator (Casuarina) Scott McDonald said the grant will establish the facility as one of the most advanced in the Territory.
‘The focus for CDU is establishing a nationally accredited nursery that meets best industry practice,’ he said. ‘This will enable us to continue the delivery of high quality horticulture, conservation land management and agriculture training programs in Central Australia.’
The nursery can be used to showcase examples of water conservation to industry, desert communities, community groups and the general public.
Greening Australia’s Nursery operations are based at CDU’s Alice Springs campus. Facilities will be used for training, community engagement and the cultivation of native plant species.
Nursery manager for Greening Australia Alice Springs, Tenille Durber said she is eager to work with CDU to create an industry-leading example of water conservation and believes demonstrating efficient water practises is critical in the current drought.
‘We can showcase many systems of water efficiency, from capturing water from roof structures and self contained wetlands to installing and planning ultra efficient sprinkler systems,’ she said.
Funding is expected to me be made available February 2007 with projects completed by the end of next year.
Picture: Greening Australia Nursery Manager Tenille Durber with Volunteer Beverley Gray.