The Hon. Minister Whitby visits CEI:AgER

This September, CEI:AgER were delighted to host a very important guest, the Honourable Reece Whitby MLA Minister for Energy; Environment; Climate Action. Hon. Minister Whitby is a keen driver for environmental action, coordinating WA’s response to climate change and an emissions reduction approach for the whole of government. He was accompanied by several distinguished guests including UWA Vice Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma, Local Member for Nedlands Dr Katrina Stratton, Ms Gail McGowan Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority (BGPA) Board Chair (and Chancellor of Murdoch University), BGPA Executive Director Alan Barrett, Kings Park Science's Program Leader Dr Jason Stevens and Principal Research Scientist Dr David Merritt. 

From left to right: Dr Jason Stevens, Dr Katrina Stratton, Dr David Merritt, A/Professor Andrew Guzzomi, Ms Gail McGowan, the Hon. Minister Reece Whitby, Professor Amit Chakma, Dr Todd Erickson

It was exciting to provide our guests a tour of the facility and discuss the Centre’s approach to environmental sustainability, particularly through the ecosystem restoration projects. Native plant revegetation of degraded landscapes, including ex-mine sites, is an extremely challenging task, which scientists and engineers at the Centre are working hard to address which is fundamental to the Kings Park Science – UWA collaboration as articulated by Director A/Professor Andrew Guzzomi and Ecological Restoration Theme Lead Dr Todd Erickson.   

Touring the seed flaming laboratory

Environmental action for the future requires a many-handed approach including both research and policy, so it was great to see a WA Minister taking interest in our work. We thank the Hon. Reece Whitby and the other members of the delegation, for taking the time to visit and expressing enthusiasm around the innovative work occurring at the UWA Shenton Park Field Station.