Message from the Director 

As we approach the end of 2006 it is timely to reflect on what has been a most amazing year. The challenges continue to mount for all those involved in water resources research as Australia battles one of the most challenging periods in water management in its modern history. Never before have the investments by governments and industry been higher to overcome this challenge and never before have expectations on research and management agencies been higher.

The Flagship is continuing to invest in research aimed at achieving efficiencies in water use in urban and regional areas, progressing understanding the opportunities associated with reuse, understanding the impact of climate variability on our water resources and providing tools to help manage for better environmental outcomes from this scarce resource.

In addition to research already underway, First Ministers of Australia, Queensland, Victoria New South Wales and South Australia have called upon CSIRO to report progressively by the end of 2007 on sustainable yields of surface and groundwater systems within the Murray-Darling Basin, including an examination of assumptions about sustainable yield in light of changes in climate and other issues. This is an important and historic opportunity to advance the National Water Initiative, and a major plank of the Flagship next year.

Flagship reviews

The Flagship has received strong support for its activities through two separate independent reviews as part of an overall review of the Flagship Initiative. The first review, Chaired by Professor Robin Batterham, assessed the appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of the Flagship Initiative in addressing major challenges facing Australia, and found that the quality of the science outcomes, the alignment with challenging national goals, the strength and quality of external partnerships were high. (Read the Panel's Report).

A second review by ACIL Tasman of the Flagship Program sought to identify and, where possible, quantify the economic, social and environmental impacts resulting from a range of CSIRO activities undertaken over the last three years. The study found that the outcomes created through CSIRO's R & D represent a very substantial return on investment. The Report concludes, "…the assessments indicate that CSIRO is working across a wide range of themes and through its R&D is bringing value to Australian society and, as a subset, value to the environment and the economy." Read the Water for a Healthy Country Flagship review.

New Science Director

And after three years of helping to steer a steady and strong path for the Flagship, Science Director Warwick McDonald has left for pastures green (quite literally). Warwick has returned to New Zealand as Director of the New Zealand Dairy Corporations' Environment program. He has been an invaluable colleague, we owe him much and extend our warmest appreciation for his efforts and wish him well in this new role. Dr Ian Prosser, known to many for his exceptional research in catchment hydrology and sediment transport, is our new Science Director, more about Ian in this issue.

Collaboration Fund

The Collaboration Fund is an important part of the Flagship Program, offering funding opportunities for research or study. We profile several of these projects this issue.
We welcome your feedback on any of the research covered in this UPDATE or indeed any aspect of the Flagship's research.

To all readers we extend our wishes for a safe and relaxing holiday period and look forward to working together in 2007.

Tom Hatton
Director, Water for a Healthy Country Flagship
















 

Update Home

Message from the Director

International recognition for our WRON initiative

Research partnership to protect the Coorong

Sharing the Waters of the Murray-Darling Basin

Interpreting householder preferences to evaluate water supply

Study helps 'water down' community concerns

Designing environmental flows for the Murray

Can domestic bores help save our drinking water?

The Ring of Confidence - Incorporating Uncertainty into Sediment Transportation Models

Community Engagement for the Reef's sake

Snippets

About this email
 

Meet visiting Fellow
from the Water for a Healthy Country Flagship

Meet Dr Bob Ferrier
 

Meet the Flagship's new Science Director

 
Meet Dr Ian Prosser
 

Meet one of our
PhD students

Meet Deborah Reed
 

EARLIER UPDATES 

April 2006

September 2005

April 2005

November 2004
 

The Water for a Healthy Country Flagship is a CSIRO initiative and part of the National Research Flagships program that aims to deliver scientific solutions to advance Australia's most important national objectives. One of the largest scientific initiatives ever mounted in Australia, it aligns closely with the Federal Government's National Research Priorities. The initiative brings together our national research resources to deliver breakthroughs in fields ranging from healthcare to light metals and the environment.

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