PRIVATE research company AgEcon Australia has received $6 million from the Federal Government’s Future Drought Fund to investigate a suite of issues around securing irrigation water, renewable energy, and climate science.

Partners in the five-year project which kicked off this month include Macquarie University and the University of Southern Queensland, with a major investment from the Cotton Research and Development Corporation.

Other stakeholders include Sugar Research Australia, Horticulture Innovation Australia, and the Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia, and the $6M in FDF funding adds to around $7M in total in in-kind support from all partners.

AgEcon is based in the north-west New South Wales town of Burren Junction, and its project was one of only eight from a field of 120 gain FDF funds in the current round.

“We have teamed up with some of the best and brightest minds in the nation to find solutions to saving water, understanding climate processes, ensuring efficient land use, and exploring new business opportunities for energy generation,” AgEcon partner Janine Powell said.

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, has warned that the ongoing fuel crisis could severely compromise access to essential health and community services in rural and remote communities unless a temporary fuel subsidy is introduced.

Mr Butler’s office has been contacted by numerous organisations that provide transport for rural and remote patients to attend health and specialist appointments, as well as organisations delivering health services directly into people’s homes.

“These services are a lifeline for people who have no other means of transport,” Mr Butler said. “Any disruption caused by increased fuel prices would have serious consequences for health and wellbeing outcomes in our communities.”

Rising concern about the impact of the fuel crisis on local tourism has prompted the Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, to urge city residents to continue with their plans to visit regional NSW over the Easter holiday.  

Local tourism operators are reporting a bump in Easter cancellations against a backdrop of lower overall bookings in March this year compared to the same time last year. 

“It’s a tough time for many people who work in tourism,” said Mr Butler.  

“Caravan parks in Broken Hill are reporting a drop in revenue of more than 25%, with management and staff discussing reduced hours. 

“Fewer shifts are available for motel workers around Narrabri too.