Background
In 2021, the National Water Grid Authority (NWGA) commissioned CSIRO to undertake several desktop-based rapid national appraisals.
The appraisals identify potential new opportunities for (i) groundwater-based irrigation, (ii) the use of low-cost desalination in irrigated agriculture, and (iii) Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) to support irrigated agriculture.
The primary aim of the appraisals was to provide the NWGA with an evidence-based approach to guide the prioritisation of their investment in new water infrastructure opportunities. The results and conclusions from the appraisals are potentially equally informative for private or government proponents.
The rapid appraisals improve the national scientific knowledge around new groundwater-based infrastructure across Australia, while also suggesting opportunities for further targeted investigations and research.
This body of work builds on CSIRO’s previous water resource assessments and research into new and emerging opportunities, helping to inform water infrastructure investments in Australia.
Rapid appraisals
- Rapid appraisal of new groundwater-based irrigation infrastructure opportunities across Australia
- Review of low-cost desalination opportunities for agriculture in Australia
- Rapid appraisal of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) opportunities for agriculture