Desalination plants could be used to supply coastal cities with water and protect regional areas like the Border from losing its rainfall supply, in an idea posed to the government by Charles Sturt University.
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Senator Bridget McKenzie has asked the Agriculture and Water Resources Committee to hold an inquiry into how to grow the county's agriculture industry to $100 billion by 2030.
CSU vice-chancellor Professor Andrew Vann came back with a few ideas in his submission to the inquiry.
"Agriculture cannot exist without water, and rainfall averages this century are far less than what they were last century - government should further investigate options such as recycled water," he said.
"Governments should do the necessary research to assess the feasibility of desalination plants to supply coastal cities, preferably powered by green energy.
"Regional rainfall should not be piped to coastal areas."
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He also said the university could play an important role in providing the graduates and research needed to reach the $100 billion target.
The number of university agriculture graduates is about 850 each year, while the number of advertised job vacancies is nearly 4000.
Professor Vann said reaching the target would be "highly challenging" without addressing the shortage of graduates.
"Business as usual will not achieve the $100 billion target for agriculture - we need to invest heavily in research and development and foster new thinking, innovation and collaboration," he said.
"Charles Sturt University stands ready to make a strong contribution to assist the agriculture sector, governments and regional Australia in producing qualified graduates and quality research and development."
The CSU submission recommended the federal government adopt policies to produce more regionally-trained university graduates and invest heavily in agriculture research and development.
"Technology is key and we must grow better produce with less water and less input costs in the future," Professor Vann said.
"Increasing the value of Australian agriculture does not necessarily mean lifting production volumes.
"It likely means producing higher quality, sustainable produce which commands a greater return for the grower."
National Farmers Federation has led the push to grow agriculture to $100 billion in farm gate output by 2030, after releasing its roadmap to the goal last year.
Submissions can be made to the inquiry before November 28 at www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business.