The Department of Land Information has signed off on an agreement to provide technical support to China to assist with disaster and environmental management.
Land Information Minister Michelle Roberts said the agreements came after a technical mission to China by DLI's chief executive, Grahame Searle, earlier this year.
"This is a great opportunity for DLI's ever-expanding consultancy services and also a boost for Western Australia's relationship with China," Mrs Roberts said.
The Minister said the DLI signed two separate Memoranda of Understanding with China - one with the Hunan Department of Land and Resources and the other with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
DLI will provide technical support to the HDLR, the provincial branch of the Ministry of Land and Resources, to help improve its survey and mapping information system; and also to improve its satellite remote sensing capabilities - helping HDLR to monitor and predict landslides.
The MOU with CAAS is to provide technical support to the academy in developing their pasture growth rate monitoring project, using DLI's satellite remote sensing services. Over-grazing of pasture lands in Northern China has led to rapid desertification - a major environmental challenge which CAAS is seeking to overcome.
Mrs Roberts said DLI's International Services provided overseas clients with an opportunity to access the expertise of its experienced staff and cutting edge technology - essential to the successful creation and administration of modern land information systems.
"Nurturing these strategic links creates opportunities to generate real economic benefit to the people of WA," she said.
DLI will be sending a second technical mission to China in July, 2006.
