A group of 30 students and staff from the ANU, led by Dr Richard Greene, embarked on a four day field trip, covering the wheat/sheep zone at Cowra and Canowindra, the marginal cropping practices near Nyngan, the waters usage along hte Macquarie River and Macquaries Marshes and mining at North Parkes mine.

The group had originally planned to travel along Gibson's Way to the Macquarie Marshes, but recent flooding in the area forced a change of plan.  Hosted by the National Parks and Wildlife Service staff, Tiger Bay Wetlands was a suitable and convenient alternative marsh-type venue, with the information panels at the centre providing valuable backup reference material.

As Richard Greene explained, "We first started in 1996 and found the tour was of such benefit we have continued it every year".  "Most of the students are doing a science based degree and it is important for them to see a variety of land and catchment managment practices during their course.  Many of them will end up in jobs where they'll be making policy decisions in future, so it is critical they see and experience some the issues first hand."