Murrumbidgee Irrigation Hosting Griffith Conference

28 June 2002

Registration forms and call for papers for the 2002 Australian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (ANCID) Conference, to be held in Griffith in September, have just been released.

Murrumbidgee irrigation is hosting this annual conference which last year was held in Bunbury, Western Australia, hosted by South West Irrigation.

The conference theme, National Leadership in Irrigation, focuses on the future direction of irrigation water authorities and the importance of developing the next generation of industry leaders. Young people are encouraged to attend the conference and participate in this important forum. For the first time ever, ANCID is providing a discounted registration fee for under 25s in an effort to make the Conference more accessible.

The Conference is expected to attract 350 delegates from around Australia. Conference Chairman Dick Thompson said the conference provides a unique opportunity to showcase our local communities and industries. Delegates will visit areas in Griffith, Leeton and Coleambally examining irrigation practices being implemented in the MIA.

Commencing with a welcome reception at CSIRO Land and Water on Sunday night September 1, the conference will be officially opened the next day. Throughout Monday and Tuesday papers will be presented in an interactive forum that allows delegates to participate in open discussion. Evening functions provide an opportunity to sample local produce and network with associates.

On Wednesday bus tours will show delegates technical aspects of the irrigation area as well as environmental tours to the wetlands, inspection of farm water systems and a tour highlighting Griffith's famous wine industry.

There is a post conference tour organised for Thursday and Friday to the Snowy Mountains. Delegates participating in this tour will inspect many sites of the Snowy Mountains Scheme.

The Conference is open to anyone with an interest in irrigation and the environment. For a registration form or further information contact the conference coordinator on 0438 678 323. Detailed information is also available on the ANCID web site: www.ancid.org.au

ends