Research & Development

Each year Goulburn-Murray Water develops a research and development program based on priorities in the G-MW Research Plan as approved by  the Board.  Research outcomes are communicated through the media and newsletters.

The research program includes projects carried out by our employees and  partnerships with research bodies. We are partners in the National Program for Sustainable Irrigation, one of seventeen programs administered by Land and Water Australia (LWA).  Goulburn-Murray Water is also a partner in two Cooperative Research Centres (CRC’s),  CRC Irrigation Futures and CRC eWater, and has an association with the CRC Water Quality and Treatment. Goulburn-Murray Water is also a partner in the National Irrigation Science Network. 

R&D Policy

Goulburn-Murray Water will invest in aplied research where the aims are consistent with G-MW's business objectives and there are clear and quantifiable benefits.

G-MW will liaise with relevant external bodies to influence national and state programs, develop joint projects and gain maximum leverage on G-MW investment in R&D.  A research program will be developed comprising internal, joint, and externally funded projects as well as investment in partnership progams.  The research program and outcomes of research will be communicated to all stakeholders and research outcomes will be adopted where appropriate.

Research and Development Priorities

G-MW's R&D framework is set out in its 2008 Research Plan.  Management Policy and Management Procedure documents stipulate management processes.  Integral to the Research Plan are the following R&D Policy and priorities as approved by the G-MW Board in November 2006.  R&D

Priorities

Considerations within the R&D priorities include:

 Water Savings

  • Identification of losses from supply systems in order to apply appropriate control measures.
  • Development of research initiatives that will lead to accelerated implementation of water savings measures.
  • Quantification of the benefits of improved water distribution technologies in channels (eg TCC) in terms of water savings.
  • Identification of the WUE benefits of on-farm technologies and promotion of appropriate technologies.

Asset Management

  • Identificaiton of where it is appropriate for G-MW to invest in supply infrastructure upgrades.
  • Identification of metering options that meet the National Standards under development.
  • Lifecycle analysis to identify optimum approaches to manage and maintain assets.
  • Control of carp, yabbies and other biota in channels. 

Aquatic weed control

  •  Develop methodology to control aquatic weeds and to monitor the extent of infestation.

Catchment Management

  • Assessment of the impacts on G-MW business of changes in catchment yields and quality of runoff, in response to climate change and land use change (rural, forestry and rural residential development).
  • Improved river operations models. 

A healthy environment

  •  Understand the impact of G-MW's operations on the environment and development management options to manage the impact.
  • An improved technical basis for the standards required for river water quantity and quality.

Facilitation of change

  •  Develop infrastructure to support change - flexible supply systems, managing stranded assets, optimising public/private ownership of irrigation assets.
  • Understand change facilitation mechanisms and the impact of change on individuals and communities.