research and planning

Investigate impacts of parameter uncertainty in stochastic models on system yield

Project overview

The project aims to enhance water security for Tamworth and the Naomi Catchment. The enhanced modelling will address uncertainty and improve confidence in water security estimations for Tamworth and nearby urban centres.

The project will develop enhanced climate datasets, tailored for the Namoi Region.

The enhanced stochastic climate risk data accounts for uncertainty arising from using short datasets to calibrate and parameterise the stochastic model.

APY Lands Groundwater Quantity and Quality Investigation

Project overview

In the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in the north-western part of South Australia, water supplies are reliant on shallow, low yielding groundwater systems. Water scarcity has impacts on health, wellbeing, and economic development.

Previous investigations identified aquifers with high yield and low groundwater salinity. These could be developed to support community and agricultural initiatives. Further work is required to underpin the sustainable use of these groundwater resources. 

Self-Supplied Remote Communities Groundwater Quality Assessment

Project overview

Remote communities in South Australia (SA) can rely on rainfall for drinking water supply. These communities are at risk of water insecurity during droughts. This includes 19 remote communities responsible for their own water supplies:

  • 9 are Aboriginal Homelands
  • 10 are regional communities with a high First Nations population.

Droughts could become more frequent and severe as the climate changes. This increases the risk that communities will sometimes run out of drinkable water. 

Central Queensland Regional Water Assessment

The Central Queensland Regional Water Assessment will carefully assess both infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions for supplying adequate water within and surrounding the area of the Fitzroy Basin.

The assessment will explore potential ways to improve water security and explore opportunities for greater economic growth for the region’s key urban centres, including Rockhampton, Biloela and Blackwater. The preferred options will be identified for further consideration.

Securing water for an emerging Australian hydrogen industry

Project overview

The hydrogen industry is rapidly expanding. Like other resource development activities, there are potential environmental impacts. Growth of the industry will need water. Understanding water resources and wastewater management needs will support sustainable growth. 

This project developed a rapid, consistent approach to understand water requirements. It focussed on 3 regions to develop a national method as:

Expansion of irrigated agriculture along the Northern Adelaide Corridor

Project overview

This project is a research trial that will be undertaken over 3 years. It will address the challenges of increasing agricultural expansion north of Adelaide (Mallala to Balaklava) using groundwater resources.

Goals of the assessment

This project will provide identification and modelling of water volumes and quality. A report will be provided including assessments on available water use for growing crops in the region. This report will include mitigation strategies under current and future climate scenarios.

The project will:

Managing water quality in the Kimberley region

Project overview

This project involved a review of the current and future risk profile of agrichemicals in the Keep River Catchment of the Kimberley region.

Goals of the assessment

The outcomes of this assessment will assist in developing an understanding of management options. These options are aimed at reducing the offsite risk from agricultural chemicals to planned developments of the Keep River irrigation areas.

This project: