- Five new water modelling projects will improve Queensland's capacity to model its surface and groundwater resources.
- The projects will be undertaken by consortia that include First Nations representatives, universities, utilities, natural resource management bodies, consultancies and government agencies.
- The latest projects have now commenced.
Five new water modelling projects are set to improve Queensland's capacity to model its surface and groundwater resources.
Through the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) the Queensland Government has invested $525,080in the projects.
The projects will be undertaken by consortia that include First Nations representatives, universities, utilities, natural resource management bodies, consultancies and government agencies.
The latest projects have now commenced, delivering critical solutions to some of Queensland's most pressing water problems and rolling out innovative ways to manage our waterways better in partnership with First Nations groups.
Water models are developed and used to inform decision making across a range of water policy, planning and management issues, including water resource planning, groundwater impact assessment, flood risk management and Great Barrier Reef water quality improvement.
Established in 2017, the Queensland Water Modelling Network has funded 24 projects through its annual strategic tender to improve the state's ability to model its surface and ground water resources, including modelling to support climate adaptation of Queensland's waterholes through to incorporating First Nations land management into technical approaches to water modelling.
Quotes attributable to Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson: (Approved)
"Understanding water through modelling informs how we plan and manage this precious resource in a sustainable way.
"This is why the Queensland Water Modelling Network was established – to improve our capacity to model surface and groundwater resources, and their quality, and to provide the tools, information and collaboration needed to support best-practice in all these endeavours.
"These latest water modelling projects signify our substantial commitment to enhancing the accuracy of water management practices, particularly in light of climate change impacts.
"Sound, scientifically validated water management decisions deliver numerous benefits for both the environment and the community.
"This includes sustainably managing precious water resources in catchment areas and safeguarding water quality in Great Barrier Reef catchments, ultimately contributing to better Reef protection.
"In particular, including First Nations' traditional knowledge and cultural expertise in these new projects will greatly enhance our ability to model surface water and groundwater resources."
