The allocation of water between industry and the environment has been a continuing concern of the Centre since its foundation 13 years ago. In that time Professor Pigram has seen the emphasis swing from industry to the environment. Making an ambit claim for water is irresponsible. The people who are giving it up may be using it responsibly. He believes that environmental demands often lack a sufficient scientific basis, an effective management plan, and an adequate system for monitoring the outcomes.
More research is needed here.
Professor Pigram retires after an association with the University of New England of over 40 years and a lifetime's interest in water policy. In October last year he took part in the inaugural meeting, in Tokyo, of the 14 most influential people in global water issues. In the years between, he has conducted pioneering research on the trading of water, water pricing, catchment management, and the use of water in tourism. He moved to Armidale to do an Honours year in 1967, and has been there ever since. He became a Lecturer in Geography at the university in 1970, even before the completion of his PhD on irrigation, and took on the job of directing the newly-formed Centre for Water Policy Research in 1987.