Post-Conference Field Trips

A number of 1-2 day post conference field trips will be run immediately following the conference. These field trips will each focus on particular themes such as settlements and infrastructure in coastal cities; biodiversity; and, agriculture, water and energy. The field trips will be led by Australian researchers, and will highlight climate change adaptation research currently underway in south-east and northern Queensland. The following trips are currently proposed. Further detail about these and additional trips will be posted on this site soon. If you are interested in participating in any of these field trips, please register your interest by email: nccarf-conf2010@yrd.com.au and you will be provided with field trip information updates.

Water, Wheat & Wine - adaptive primary industries in inland Australia

2 - 3 July, 2010
This two-day trip explores the challenges and options for Queensland's agricultural heartland, the Lockyer Valley and Darling Downs. This tour is guided by leading researchers currently working to develop sustainable primary industries against a backdrop of climate uncertainty, water resource pressures and increasing urbanisation.

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia: biodiversity monitoring, conservation and restoration

2 - 3 July, 2010
The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area includes the most extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the world. This two day trip will visit two main National Parks within this region: the Lamington and Springbrook National Parks. Day 1 will be led by renowned ecologist, Professor Roger Kitching; the trip to Lamington National Park will focus on monitoring the impact of climate change on biodiversity, Day 2 will take in the Springbrook Sensor Network and highlight rainforest restoration efforts currently underway.

Queensland's Wet Tropics

2 - 4 July, 2010
This field trip, to be led by Professor Steve Turton from James Cook University will explore Queensland's Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, starting out from Cairns in Far North Queensland (a 2.5 hour flight from the Gold Coast or Brisbane). Famous for being the only place in the world where the rainforest meets the reef, this trip will take in the diverse landscapes of this region and will examine the climate change adaptation challenges particular to this region.

Gold Coast – Planning for change

Managing climate change challenges in the city by the surf

2 July, 2010
The surf, sun and sand that made Australia’s iconic Gold Coast one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities also make it among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Leading coastal, water and urban planning researchers will guide this full-day tour, presenting a snapshot of both the threats and the innovative adaptation measures underway from the canals to the coast.

North Stradbroke Island

2 July, 2010
North Stradbroke Island is one of the largest inhabited sand islands in the world. Sea level rise and a warmer climate are threatening its coast and forest communities including those vulnerable to fire with consequences for the water-dependent systems of the island. You will visit the island’s environments and be involved in discussions of the climate change threat and some of the challenges to face it.