Chris O'Connell
General Manager, Network Ten, Brisbane

I grew up along the river in the Murray Valley, about 120 kms west of Albury, in an area that has historical had a variable annual rainfall of between 250-400 mls per annum. An irrigation system was introduced to the area in the 1930s, which has seen the region change from one given to dry farming practices to a region integral to the production of Australia’s food requirements. 

The Murray Valley has always been an area sensitive to climatic conditions. I grew up understanding that sensitivity. My family has been in the area since 1900 and I would like to think we would have the option to be there still in 2100.

What impact has drought had on farmers in the Riverina area? 

The Riverina, in particular the Murray Valley region, provides a substantial proportion of Australia’s food production and its reliance on water is fundamental to the economy of the region.

However, with the changing climate conditions, dry periods are becoming more frequent and persistent and the water, which until recent times has, to some extent, masked the breadth of the looming problems for the area, is drying up. Less annual snow and rain falls and more regular large fires in the catchments are resulting in reduced runoff into the top of the Murray River system. Now, added to the pressures from drought, farmers in the area face restricted access to water.

Farmers have coped with drought in the past. They know their businesses well and understand the economic requirements surrounding it. However, farmers are now faced with changes in their business related conditions that are occurring at a rate that is leaving them very little time to adjust and refocus.

You’re a member of the Lord Mayor’s City Smart Advisory Group and the Queensland Premier’s Council on Climate Change. Do you think it’s important for government to provide leadership and encourage climate change solutions? 

The convergence of the various issues around climate change and the need to address the future problems now asks a great deal of business and community. The only way the changes that need to be made to our lifestyle and business practices can be done successfully will be through strong leadership and guidance from governments at all levels. 

You have been involved in broadcast media for many years now. To what extent do you think responsible television programming could change people’s behaviour? 

Television and particularly Free To Air televison, reaches into most homes in Australia every day. For many years it has telecast programmes on the climate and the environment and their relationship to our lives and business activities. Television is an extremely efficient communication conduit and has a proven track record in being able to engage the community and trigger action very quickly.

What sort of response have you had to Making Your Mark, Network Ten’s response to climate change? 

The Making Your Mark project was only launched a few weeks ago, but has received very positive reaction from all quarters. Our community partners have been very supportive, the advertising community is beginning to draw on the opportunities offered to present their green products and services and the viewers have acknowledged the initiative very positively.  The best guide at this early stage is probably the success of our environment awards programme.  In the first month we received in excess of sixty presentations and will likely more than double this number for the second month.