Rainforest meets Reef Conference

Researchers respond to environmental changes challenging the tropics

21 November 2005

Leading scientists from across Australia will open a window into the future of tropical environments when they examine what the future holds for health, agriculture, rainforest and reef at a conference in Townsville tomorrow.

More than 170 Reef and Rainforest scientists and managers from across Australia will discuss how to tackle the critical challenges facing our tropical environments at the Rainforest meets Reef conference hosted by the Rainforest CRC and CRC Reef at the Southbank Hotel and Convention Centre, Palmer St, from 22-24 November.

Major themes will address how wildlife, marine life and plant life are expected to cope with climate change, water quality and maintaining biodiversity, and how communities, business and science can contribute to conservation management by minimising
the threats.

Research issues vital to the wellbeing of the reef and rainforest will be presented, some include:

• Climate change impacts on the GBR ecosystem- risks and management
• Climate change and resilience: Insights from two world heritage areas
• Climate change impacts on freshwater fishes of the wet tropics
• Observed climate variability and change in the vicinity of the GBR
• Impact of climate change on green ringtail possum
• Community based water quality monitoring in the Burdekin River catchment and Mackay-Whitsunday region
• The saga of Eric the feral pig describes 12 years of research into the impact of pigs within the wet tropics
• Coral bleaching detection by satellite remote sensing
• Impact of coconuts on forests in the Daintree region
• Myths, evidence and decisions surrounding box jellyfish and stinger net removal
• Sediment testing for Landholders to improve understanding and contribute to monitoring
• Water for a Healthy Country Flagship CSIRO
• High sensitivity of corals to insecticides and fungicides
• And much more…

A pub-based public forum anchored by environment specialist Alexandra de Blas and featuring an expert panel, promises to be a stimulating evening exploring the impact of global warming on our daily lives, local and national initiatives, alternative energy
systems, and how individuals can make a difference. The Forum has been organised by the Rainforest and Reef CRCs and is supported by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

The conference program is available online at www.reef.crc.org.au/about/events. Those wishing to attend the conference should contact Shannon Hogan via the conference registration desk located in the foyer of the Southbank Convention Centre from 7.30am, Tuesday 22 November. A fee of $150.00 per day is applicable.

Public Forum: The Tropics in 2030: How will a changing climate affect our future? Victoria Park Hotel, Boundary St, South Townsville, Tuesday 22 November, 7-9pm. FREE ENTRY - ALL WELCOME. Meals can be purchase from the hotel prior to
the forum’s commencement and the bar will be open.

Media Contacts:
Dr Annabel Jones, CRC Reef Media Liaison, 0408 884 521 (conference and forum)
Prof. Steve Turton, Rainforest CRC, 0408 014 994
Prof. Russell Reichelt, CRC Reef, 0419 784 120
Dr Paul Marshall, GBRMPA, 07 4750 0700 (Public forum)