Accessing the best science requires collaboration between the best in the field.
The National Water Grid (NWG) Science Program collaborates with science organisations and state and territory governments across Australia to provide the best evidence-based water science available to the Australian Government.
Set up in 2019, the NWG Science Program has invested $48 million towards building a reliable source of data, information and research into Australia’s water resources. This information is key to understanding our network of surface and groundwater resources and how we can better manage and protect this water for generations to come.
Once complete, science projects deliver research reports and case studies which are released publicly to help inform operational and funding decisions.
What does water science collaboration look like?
Water is a complex and busy space so effective collaboration with stakeholders is key to scientific research being able to provide real and long-term benefits. Through the NWG Science Program, the Australian Government funds research organisations and state and territory governments to carry out research projects that:
- analyse water resources, to understand future sustainability and nature positive development options
- identify and progress alternative and emerging opportunities to increase water security and climate change resilience
- develop new information resources to support decision-making, including decision support tools and science communication.
Demonstrating the benefits of collaboration, the recent CSIRO water quality review and treatment technology framework for remote community water supply project involved considerable coordinated input from around 25 people from different states, territories and research organisations. These insights enabled the research to deliver outcomes and findings that are helping to inform a wide range of interested stakeholders, including:
- government decision-makers
- industries working in remote communities
- communities themselves.
Kelly Strike, head of the NWG Science Program, says collaboration on scientific research is key to providing Australia with evidence-based science.
‘We need scientific evidence to help inform what we do when it comes to our water resources and in making responsible water infrastructure decisions,’ she said.
‘We also need to ensure the research we are funding is fit-for-purpose and useable for all stakeholders involved’.
‘This comes through working together and ensuring a coordinated approach to planning and delivering research projects’.
