The University of Canberra has been awarded $6.3 million by the Federal Government to establish a new Collaborative Research Network (CRN) to undertake a wide-ranging research project into aspects affecting the Murray Darling Basin.

 

Partner institutions include the Australian National University, Charles Sturt University, the University of Southern Queensland, the CSIRO, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences and the National Water Commission.

 

The project will bring together expertise in environmental science, public policy, social and economic modelling, health and regional planning.

 

In addition to environmental research, the project will examine social issues including the mental health challenges associated with rural communities as they adjust to a changing farming environment.

 

The network has broad scope to build resilience in the Murray Darling Basin environment and communities by understanding the environmental, social, economic and health implications of drought, water management and preserving a healthy Murray Darling Basin.

 

University of Canberra Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Frances Shannon said the Murray Darling Basin faces complex problems, which require sophisticated solutions.

 

"The environmental health of river system doesn’t exist in isolation from the economic and social health of the local community. This collaboration brings together all the expertise needed to ensure policy decisions are informed by the best science, backed up by rigorous social and economic research and modelling.”