CANBERRA, ACT, Oct. 22 -- Murray-Darling Basin Authority issued the following news release:
Managing water in the Murray-Darling Basin is very important. This is especially true with a changing climate and varying water availability. In the future we will experience more frequent and severe droughts, along with changes in rainfall patterns. The Murray-Darling Water and Environment Research Program (MD-WERP) has developed knowledge and tools to help sustain the Basin's environment, communities and economies.
As this program comes to an end, Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) General Manager, Basin Plan Strategy and Integration, Grace Mang recognised the contributions made by MD-WERP researchers:
To plan properly for an uncertain future, all those involved in water management from government to communities, need high quality, up-to-date information. That means investing in research and monitoring. The program has:
* built on previous and concurrent research
* supported new research
* improved water modelling
* created climate adaptation tools
* took a holistic approach, including for the first time assessment of cultural and social aspects
* encouraged communities to have their say
* shown the importance of working collaboratively.
For example, MD-WERP's Climate Adaptation Toolkit helps people compare different water management options to see how each one affects water levels and the environment. When used with biodiversity mapping tools, it can help identify where water is needed most. These tools help inform smart, flexible decisions that are tailored to local areas.
Research from MD-WERP shows that we need smart and flexible ways to manage water in the Basin. Strategies should focus on using water wisely and protecting it for the future. The program has developed models, decision-making tools, and good practices for managing water. These valuable resources can be used by researchers, policy makers, farmers, irrigators and communities and to make informed management decisions.
The research from MD-WERP upholds the need for governments and communities to increase their use of adaptive management. This means being flexible and changing plans as new information becomes available or as the climate continues to change. Programs that are currently using adaptive management including new information generated by MD-WERP (like Flow-MER from the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and river operators) are seeing positive outcomes.
MD-WERP research has also found gaps where more data and research are needed. Early identification helps guide where future funding and research should go.
Good policies need to consider how water, land, and community needs are connected. MD-WERP research is supporting the development of holistic policies by providing data and models that show how people, nature, and water systems interact. Models can help identify implications of decisions on many interconnected factors. Governments need to use this science to make strong, future-focused water resource plans. These plans should think about climate change and aim to share water fairly between the environment, farms, industry, and local communities.
Because the Basin is large and diverse, local communities need to be part of the decision-making. MD-WERP shows that by involving community in the process and possible outcomes, management strategies are likely to be more accepted and effective, as they align with local values and priorities. Listening to local knowledge and values can help policymakers gain a better appreciation and understanding of the local community and ecosystem requirements and create strategies that are adapted to each area.
Improved management practices will lead to more resilient and adaptable rivers, supporting the industries and communities that depend on them.
Investigate some of MD-WERP research below.
This research was supported through funding from the Australian Government Murray-Darling Water and Environment Research Program (MD-WERP). This program will be complete by the end of 2025.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
