Media Release

Friday, 3 March 2006

University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor Professor James McWha has welcomed news of the Labor Government's climate change policy and announcement of funding for a Research Unit in Climate Change at the University.

Premier Mike Rann announced the Labor Party's climate change policy earlier this morning at the Starfish Hill Wind Farm near Cape Jervis. As part of the policy, a re-elected Labor Government would establish a Research Unit in Climate Change at the University of Adelaide with annual funding of $250,000.

"We are delighted by the Labor Government's commitment to climate change research contained in its new policy, and look forward to working with it and other key researchers such as the CSIRO in helping South Australia become a national focus for climate change strategy and response," Professor McWha says.

"I have been encouraged by preliminary discussions I have had with the Director of the South Australian Museum, Professor Tim Flannery, about his possible involvement as part of this proposal.

"Professor Flannery is an internationally-regarded authority on climate change, and to have someone of his standing involved would give the position a strong sense of leadership, direction and credibility.

"We also welcome the opportunities that this funding would bring for the many high-quality staff and students we already have conducting vital research on climate change and its associated areas of sustainable technologies and renewable energy."