MEDIA RELEASE
ATSE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN DIVISION
In advance of the March 2022 state election, sixty-six of South Australia’s leading technologists, scientists and engineers have tabled a technology and policy-based plan that will foster innovation, economic growth and sustainability in the state.
The initiatives highlight vital fields that will supercharge South Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19 and power the state’s transition to a low-carbon future including renewable energy and energy storage, digital transformation technologies, sustainable and carbon neutral agriculture, greater environmental and agricultural resilience, and world class STEM education.
Emeritus Professor, Graeme Dandy, Chair of the South Australian Division of ATSE said, “The forthcoming state election in South Australia provides the opportunity to set a strong direction for the future of the state’s technological leadership.”
“Following COP 26 in Glasgow, South Australia is in an enviable position to demonstrate what a net zero emissions transition looks like in practice. If the state government undertakes a comprehensive review of large-scale, base-load electricity storage and backup options to support increasing renewable wind and solar electricity generation, we can be at the front of the pack in the race for renewable energy and energy storage.”
“Similarly, we need to support research and development in sustainable, carbon neutral agriculture and carbon sequestration that will facilitate their adaptation in a low-carbon future”, said Professor Dandy.
“South Australian businesses and sectors urgently need to adopt digital transformation technologies to super-charge economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and to create new jobs. “
“We also need invest in our future workforce and STEM leaders. This requires specialist education for all students throughout levels 1 to 12 and by including applied sciences, including engineering and computer programming, in our curriculum.”
“A STEM literate population will be crucial as we build a state that can lead the way in ensuring Australia does not become a technological laggard. National capabilities in information technologies and digital engineering will underpin growth in all Australian sectors”, said Prof Dandy.
The South Australian Division of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE), will engage all parties in the lead up to the election for a frank discussion on how to power the states recovery from COVID-19 and leverage its comparative advantage as an emerging renewable energy powerhouse.
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Technology and policy-based initiatives to support innovation and economic growth in South Australia
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Media contact
Emeritus Professor, Graeme Dandy, Chair of the South Australian Division of the Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE)
graeme.dandy@adelaide.edu.au / 0401 931 756
The Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering is a Learned Academy of independent experts helping Australians understand and use technology to solve complex problems.