Five new projects set to enhance Queensland water modelling
Issued: 28 Aug 2024
- 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:
“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."
Explainer/fast fact and/or further information
The five water modelling projects for 2024 and the consortia delivering them are below, with further detailed information available at 2024 Tender outcome.
Streambank erosion and floodplain deposition modelling
Paddock to Reef (P2R) sediment models are crucial for managing Great Barrier Reef catchments. This project will use DESI’s Queensland River Classification Scheme to better tailor P2R models to diverse river types, improving sediment load estimates and ensuring more effective and cost-efficient landscape restoration efforts. The project is being delivered by a consortium consisting of Alluvium, the University of Melbourne, and Blunomy.
Facilitating Traditional Owner led catchment repair using the Scenario Tool
This project in Gimuy (Cairns) integrates indigenous knowledge with urban water and liveability planning through a Water Sensitive Cities Scenario Tool, ensuring water management strategies protect cultural values and empower First Nations People. It is being delivered by a consortium consisting of Alluvium, Water Sensitive Cities Australia, HARC Services, Cairns Regional Council, Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Elders Aboriginal, and Abriculture.
A review of the science and modelling tools for improved assessment of aquaculture discharge
This project will enhance modelling techniques to better assess the environmental impacts of aquaculture, help align aquaculture with the water quality needs of sensitive areas like the Great Barrier Reef and promote sustainable growth while protecting the environment. It is being delivered by a consortium consisting of Alluvium, Griffith University, The University of Queensland, and BMT Commercial Australia Ltd.
Resilience of K’gari’s lake systems to climate variability
This project focuses on understanding K’gari’s lake and groundwater systems, assessing their resilience to climate variability and human activity, while respecting the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation's heritage as Native Title holders, helping sustainable water management to harmonise cultural values with scientific understanding. It is being delivered by a consortium consisting of CSIRO, Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation, Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG), and the University of Adelaide
Developing a process to determine cultural flows in needs for Queensland water planning
This project will develop a cultural flow model for the middle and upper Mitchell River to integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait knowledge into Queensland's water planning frameworks. Outcomes will include a draft conceptual flow model and a report, laying the groundwork for future guidelines that unite water management with First Nations cultural values. It is being delivered by a consortium consisting of Griffith University, The Mitchell River and the Traditional Custodians Advisory Group Aboriginal Corporation.