There is a view in some quarters that there are unlimited water resources in the north, unfortunately this perception is exactly that; perception not reality.
This will be the thrust of a presentation by the Director of Water Management, Natural Resource Management Division during the upcoming Charles Darwin Symposium.
Ian Lancaster will speak on the topic Resource realities and climate variability during the Symposium at Casuarina campus which will focus on Water in the Top End: Opportunities and Constraints.
Mr Lancaster (pictured) said he believed that although there were opportunities in northern Australia for water-dependant development, there were also significant constraints.
“Careful management of the available water resources is required to ensure our environmental and cultural heritage is maintained in their relatively pristine condition,” he said.
“However, the increasing demand to provide water, food and fibre, and possibly energy to the world’s population may mean some sacrifices will need to be made by those of us who enjoy that relatively pristine environment and an apparent abundance of fresh clean and reliable water resources.
“Choices may be constrained by needs.”
Mr Lancaster’s presentation will explore the variability of rainfall in the Top End and discuss some of the opportunities and constraints to water-dependant development in northern Australia, with an emphasis on the water resources of the Northern Territory.
The Symposium is designed to generate discussion and debate about the perceived opportunities for and constraints on water use, and whether Top End residents should continue to think of the Northern Territory as a frontier with boundless possibilities.
The one-day event is free to the public and will run from 8.30am to 5pm on Friday, 30 May at the Casuarina campus.
For more information go to www.cdu.edu.au/cdss.