Published Wednesday, 09 May, 2007 at 08:39 AM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
RIVERSYMPOSIUM RECEIVES US$210,000: PREMIER
NEW YORK: Premier Peter Beattie today welcomed a promised US$210,000 contribution from The Nature Conservancy environmental organisation towards holding the 2007 International Riversymposium in Brisbane in September.
Mr Beattie, who is in the United States on the final leg of a trade mission, accepted a cheque for US$50,000 on behalf of Riversymposium. It is the first instalment of funding from the respected international organisation.
“The Riversymposium, now in its 10th year, is a leading international forum on river management. It is supported by both the Queensland Government and the Brisbane City Council,” Mr Beattie said.
“Water conservation and sustainable river management are high on my government’s list of priorities. We know the answer to these pressing issues lie in international collaboration, in the minds of world experts, in the coming together of science, business, institutional and community perspectives.
“The Nature Conservancy’s gift will ensure the Riversymposium once again achieves its aim to bring world experts together to find solutions to critical water issues,” Mr Beattie said.
The Riversymposium is a central part of Riverfestival, a 10 day environmentally-focused festival, now recognised as a global model for changing perceptions. The symposium is expected to double in size this year, to more than 1000 delegates. Around 50 delegates from developing countries will attend, their trip fully funded through the International Riverfoundation and AusAid.
This year’s program includes the Environmental Flows Conference, which will focus on the management of water regimes to successfully maintain precious ecosystems.
The world’s richest river management prize, the Thiess Riverprize, will be presented and, for the first time, Riversymposium delegates will have the chance to get further in-depth training during the festival.
“I’d like to express my deep gratitude to The Nature Conservancy on behalf of everyone involved in the Riversymposium for their ongoing commitment to the world’s waterways,” Mr Beattie said.
The donation is part of A$1 million raised for The Nature Conservancy’s Australia’s program at the Antipodean Odyssey - A Celebration of Australian Biodiversity held during G’day USA Australia Week 2007.
Media contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500