CRC CARE was proud to host Contamination CleanUp 07 Conference held in Adelaide from June 24th - 28th 2007.  The Conference brought together more than 400 leading scientists, industrialists and regulators from around Australia, and the world, to explore emerging issues related to the assessment and remediation of contaminated sites, to speed up technology transfer and exchange information on innovative developments in fundamental and applied environmental research.

Three very successful and well attended workshops were held on the Sunday, covering the areas of Ecological Risk Assessment; Human Health Risk Assessment; and Groundwater: Site Characterisation and Remediation.  The workshops provided state of the art knowledge to attendees, and were presented by National and International experts, in the discipline area.  These courses targeted scientists, research students, regulators, auditors, consultants and individuals responsible for contamination assessment and management.

The official opening of the conference was performed by the Hon. Steph Key, representing the Premier of South Australia, followed by the Opening Plenary Address by Professor Malcolm Sumner from the University of Georgia.

Over the duration of the Conference, delegates from more than 30 countries were in attendance to listen to more than 90 presentations relating to contamination assessment and remediation. 

The highlight of the conference was the launch of the Remediation Industry Cluster by Senator the Hon. Nick Minchin.  Senator Minchin noted that the Cluster is dedicated to bringing the best new technology and advice in this field from science to industry and from company to company and promoting the sharing of information about market and technology opportunities.  The Cluster will be a forum for private and public sector organisations to tackle issues that block efficient and effective remediation of contamination of water, land and air.

The Conference and Cluster were also supported by EcoForum that convened an Industry Summit.  The Summit was the first event of its kind to be held in Australia.  It was an opportunity for industry, regulators, scientists and members of community organisations to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by environmental contamination and consider the issues that influence and shape the way the contamination remediation sector operates.

Throughout that conference, delegates had the opportunity to engage with key organisations represented at the conference through their exhibition booths.  The presence of organisations with the capacity to deliver solutions to the contamination prevention, assessment and remediation sector was well received, and their contribution was very welcome.

On the final evening of the Conference more than 170 delegates enjoyed the Gala Dinner at the Hilton.  Those who attended were treated to an array of entertainment and performances.  It was also a chance for CRC CARE to thank many of the keynote presenters for their valued contribution to the event.

Those that were able to stay an extra day on the Thursday attended a Technical Tour of three Adelaide sites that included ITP, Department of Defence Edinburgh and Bolivar Wastewater plant.  The tour included a lunch in the Barossa Valley Vineyard Jacobs Creek, to close off a very enjoyable conference.

Planning has already commenced for the 2009 CleanUp Conference, and we hope to make to the 2009 event even more successful.