CSIRO takes holistic approach to water quality issue
The researchers are presenting their integrated social, economic and environmental research at this week’s 11th International Riversymposium – an event held as part of Brisbane’s Riverfestival.
CSIRO is taking a holistic approach to finding a solution for the water quality issues facing the Great Barrier Reef by consulting with the community about their water uses and values, determining the cost-effectiveness of land management options and conducting extensive environmental monitoring and modelling.
“To find a solution for this problem we’ve adopted a participatory approach,” says Dr Iris Bohnet, from CSIRO’s Water for a Healthy Country Flagship.
”We worked with the community and local industries to develop future visions which aim to achieve improved water quality as well as having multiple environmental, social and economic benefits.”
The research underpins the recently released Draft Tully Water Quality Improvement Plan which is currently open for public comment.
Through the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan (Reef Plan) the Australian and Queensland Governments identified a number of catchments, including Tully, for which developing Water Quality Improvement Plans was a high priority.
The Water Quality Improvement Plans aim to provide sustainable solutions for future development that address economic and social change while enabling water quality improvement, remediation of ecosystem degradation and preservation of environmental values.
CSIRO researchers will present their work from 8.30am until 10.30am on Thursday September 4.
Research to be presented includes:
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the future visions and possible change scenarios for the Tully catchment
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an overview of the science to inform the development of the Tully WQIP
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the potential for tropical wetlands to improve water quality – is our current perception correct?
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land management options which are cost effectiveness and achieve water quality improvement
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providing water quality planners with information on how different management actions affect biodiversity, ecosystem health and water quality
The project is being conducted under the auspices of CSIRO’s Water for a Healthy Country Flagship in collaboration with Terrain Natural Resource Management and the Cardwell Shire Floodplain Program.
CSIRO initiated the National Research Flagships to provide science-based solutions in response to Australia’s major research challenges and opportunities. The nine Flagships form multidisciplinary teams with industry and the research community to deliver impact and benefits for Australia.
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Fast facts
- CSIRO researchers are working with local Queensland communities to provide sustainable solutions aimed at protecting one of Australia’s greatest assets, the Great Barrier Reef
- The researchers are presenting their integrated social, economic and environmental research at this week’s 11th International Riversymposium – an event held as part of Brisbane’s Riverfestival