Australia

Mike Bourke (Argument Moderator)

This was an excellent Argument with all speakers making compelling cases. As well as the panel, Janelle McGufficke, Manager of Environmental Programs at Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia and Deborah Kerr from the National Farmer’s Federation, gave short presentations, making a strong case for irrigated rice production in Australia. The event was recorded and is available as podcast, if you were not able to be there.

From left: Barney Foran, Eric Craswell, John Angus and Mike Bourke.

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PNG gossip column, The Drum, reports today:

TALK on “Deforestation and Forest Degradation in PNG’’ coming up in Moresby Friday next week, with Canberra-based expert Colin Filer leading the debate. He’s clashed with avid environmentalists recently, should be an interesting session (Post-Courier 30 July 2008).

Has CF “clashed with avid environmentalists” recently? The most controversial thing I’ve seem him do in the last seven days was to blow for an own goal when reffing girls U14 soccer last Saturday.

On another front, I’ve made the enigmatic discovery that a certain tome called “Filer’s Files” is to be had for US$13.95 from the National UFO Centre. I was certain he didn’t have the free time.

Filer: preferred umpire role	UFO expert?

Part of the charm of the sleepy port town of Madang is, according to all observers, the millions of Spectacled Flying Foxes that roost each night in the trees which line its avenues. Read the rest of this entry »

Rice and water in Australia: a debate set in a rapidly changing global context

The debate by three eminent scientists about whether growing rice in Australia is a waste of Australian water takes place in the broader global context of water scarcity and climate change. What are the details of the broader picture for Australia?

Firstly there is a severe drought affecting much of south east, particularly the Murray Darling Basin. Each week brings even more dire warnings from expert commentators about how severe the effects of the drought are for irrigated agriculture, the health of the river system and associated ecology. It is particularly alarming that, without rain, meeting urban water supply in the lower part of the Basin is uncertain beyond 2009-2010 - a very short time frame in which to plan mitigation.

The ramifications of drought significantly impact our ability to supply global and local grain markets. Many of us believe that the global economy changed irreversibly in the middle of the decade and we are witnessing a period of particularly rapid change. A number of major physical and economic forces are operating that will require significant adjustments to outlook and policy.

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Dr Mike Bourke has invited three eminent agricultural scientists to debate the issues of growing rice in Australia. Dr John Angus will argue that rice is not a waste of Australian water and will contest that high profitability along with the ability to change production in response to water supply, are positive factors. Disputing this position, Dr Eric Craswell will illustrate a global perspective and highlight the incongruence of rice growing under conditions of scarce water supply. He recommends Australia abandon rice production and leave it to countries with a adequate water, such as Thailand and Vietnam. Dr Barney Foran will argue that the ‘rice and water’ debate needs to be set within a consumption lifestyle frame and recommends a water policy based on analysis of ‘full life cycle’ impacts - those created by us, the consumers.

The Argument will be held on Monday 28 July 2008 at 4.30-5.30 pm in the Sparke Helmore Theatre with opportunity for discussion over refreshments that follow. Biographical data of the panel and Dr Mike Bourke, the Moderator for the Australian Rice Argument, is available on the Argument Page and comments regarding issues raised are welcomed.