Workshop tailored to study Inland Burnett climate
1st June 2011
A unique workshop developed specifically to study the climate of the Inland Burnett will be held in Eidsvold on Wednesday 15 June and in Wondai on Thursday 16th June.
BIEDO (the Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation) will be hosting the workshops which will feature guest speaker, Dr Jeff Clewett*, Principal Scientist with Agroclim and developer of climate software “Rainman” and former DPI Officer.
Grace Gibson, BIEDO’s Sustainability Officer, says the workshops are part of BIEDO’s ‘Next Gen’ Farmers Project and aims to engage primary producers and others in considering options to manage the opportunities and challenges of our climate.
“Jeff has put together a workshop which is tailor-made for the Inland Burnett. He’ll share information on the climate history of the Burnett region and factors causing climate variability and change. We’ll then look at the science, history, future, uncertainty and use of short and long-term climate forecasts including seasonal forecasts based on MJO and ENSO,” Grace said.
“Participants will also study the impacts of climate variability, and the likely impacts of climate change on agriculture and the environment in regards to streamflow, pastures, livestock and crops in the Burnett. There’ll also be opportunities to develop strategies for managing climate risk,” she said.
Dr Jeff Clewett says the workshop is suitable for anyone involved in primary production or management of natural resources.
“Primary producers are likely to get a lot out of this workshop as are those involved in agribusiness, banking and education because of the discussion on links between climate, management and sustainable production,” Jeff said.
The workshop was supported by BIEDO and the Burnett Mary Regional Group, through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country project and the Next Gen Farmer’s project.
If you’d like more information or to register to attend, please call the BIEDO office on 4169 7851, or email biedoeco@burnett.net.au.
