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Evaluating the impact of Water Use Efficiency Research and Development activities in Northern Victoria

Department of Primary Industries (VIC)

RMCG evaluated the impact of the Departments Future Farming Systems Research (FFSR) division research and development (R&D) activities relating to water use efficiency (WUE) in the irrigated dairy, irrigated cropping and horticulture industries of northern Victoria, between 2001 and 2011. The impact of the work was assessed against the DPI outcomes identified in the guiding framework document Water: Growing Sustainable Primary Industries.

The evaluation resulted in a greater understanding of the impact of WUE R&D in Northern Victoria over the past decade. It highlighted the needs of government and industry, the involvement and adoption of R&D by stakeholders, recent advances in knowledge and technology, and environmental and economic benefits of R&D. Evaluation findings provided examples of particular successes and assisted in informing improvements to future R&D investment to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Team

Carl Larsen

Carl Larsen

Associate

B.Env.Sci., B.Soc.Sci. (Env.), PG.Cert.CCPI.

Carl is a socio-environmental scientist with 15 years’ experience in planning, delivery and evaluation of agriculture and natural resource management programs, integrated water management, climate change and stakeholder engagement. He understands the practical implications of policy and science on communities and agriculture. Carl has worked with a range of government departments, resource management agencies, research and development corporations, private organisations and communities around Australia on catchment management, sustainable water use, resource management in agriculture/horticulture, land use, climate change, strategic planning, industry development, extension and practice change.

Dr Anne-Maree Boland

Dr Anne-Maree Boland

Principal

PhD., B.Ag.Sci.

Anne-Maree has 25 years’ experience in dealing with natural resource and water management in agricultural industries. This has included research and development and consulting in the areas of sustainable management practices, water use efficiency, recycled water and environmental management systems. Anne-Maree has been a Non-Executive Director for GWRDC and IAL, is a Churchill Fellow and recipient of the University of Melbourne Chancellors Prize. She has extensive experience as a knowledge broker and establishing partnerships with diverse stakeholder groups including government, water and agricultural industries.