Online environmental research network launched
Deakin University’s commitment to working with regional communities was on show in November when the WGC Sustainability Research Network was launched at the Warrnambool campus.
The network, created in conjunction with South West Sustainability Partnership and including the Wimmera, Glenelg-Hopkins and Corangamite Catchment Management Authorities, is a portal to announce events, contact environmental scientists, find partners to collaborate on projects and increase the investment in sustainability research in the region.
Deakin University’s Sandra McClelland, who is chair of the WGC Sustainability Research Network, says the network increases opportunities for organisations and people in south west Victoria to share their local knowledge about the environment and natural resource management and cooperate to increase research investment in the Region.
The research network will deal with the broad issue of sustainability, research themes that will include but not be limited to: Climate, Socioeconomic, Water, Biodiversity, Land and Landscapes and Estuarine, Coastal & Marine.
“This project has involved an enormous community effort and a lot of good will between a wide range of organisations,” “Ms McClelland said.
“It recognises that all members of the community, not just research scientists, can and do have a role to play in creating a sustainable environment.
“To be able to lock into the latest information, to exchange it and examine it, will help speed up the processes involved in the uptake of new knowledge from the researchers through to implementation by managers, enterprises and community groups accelerating our progress towards sustainability.”
Already more than 30 organisations have committed to being involved in the network.
To visit the website, go to www.wgcnetwork.vic.gov.au.