Paul Dalby at Water Pitchfest 2007
This talk is podcast from the Water Pitchfest, sponsored by the Water Research Cluster of the University of Adelaide and the Water Industry Alliance.
Paul Dalby from In Fusion Consulting gives a five minute demonstration on new media tools such as RSS feeds, podcasting, video casting and blogging using his site http://www.litfuse.com.au as an example.
Paul Dalby has 10 years experience in managing and promoting scientific research in the management of water, soil and other natural resources. He is a sought after facilitator and communicator.
Presentation given at the Water Pitchfest 2007 at the Sebel Townhouse in Adelaide South Australia on 25th October 2007.
I am a new migrant from The Netherlands and just started to build a new life here in SA. I see similarities between Australia and The Netherlands when handling water management. This will only succeed if there is communication and cooperation at a national level in Australia.
Let’s have a look at the situation in The Netherlands. This nation has managed water for many centuries and as a result the political, economical and the common awareness is anchored in our society. About 60% of our nation’s surface lies 5 to 0 meters below sea level. Over 9 million people live in that area. A comprehensive system of dikes, channels, pumps, rivers, floodgates and other requirements is managed centrally by one government related organisation. Its task is basically to keep our feet dry from the rain, the sea and 2 major rivers that end up in this nation. The activities on this system are delegated to regional government organisations who can deal with the local situation.
On the other hand, the industry is regularly involved in major projects on e.g. dredging, rising of dikes, building of floodgates. If the government decides on such a project, the industries will form one or more syndicates who will offer project proposals.
The result of such a cooperation with the government is that industries improve knowledge on water management, keep foreign competitors at a distance, maintenance is more efficient and most of all, in case of an emergency all stakeholders can respond quickly.
When I look with my “Dutch” eyes to the drought in Australia, I see that these issues must be managed at a national level. E.g. there are 3 states that depend on water from the Murray Darling River system. These states have all there own legislation in regard to water management. When the crisis on drought increases, the last thing you need is a political debate about this life threatening issue.
There are a lot of initiatives from industry, universities, and local governments and individuals who are involved in this mater. Efficient water management can only be controlled a national level in cooperation with stakeholders like the industry, universities and local government. Also, the communication to the civilians is crucial because when there are decisions to be made and cooperation is being asked about this issue.
There is work to be done otherwise you can end up with a discontented population, foreign parties will take over, knowledge will be lost and political debates that will frustrate efficient solutions.