RESEARCH STRATEGIC PLANSummary 2016

South Australia’s Goyder Institute for Water Research delivers high quality, independent and rigorous science to underpin evidence-based decision making in water resource management locally, nationally and internationally.

Since its establishment in 2010, the Goyder Institute has brought together South Australia’s leading water research capabilities through a partnership with The University of Adelaide, Flinders University, the University of South Australia, and the CSIRO.

Guided by the principles of policy utility, capacity development and the advancement of science, the Institute’s core function is to provide research and independent, expert advice for science-based water policy to the State Government.

It is further intended that this Centre of Scientific Excellence will continue to strengthen the State’s position as an international leader in water resource management and instil confidence in the community that the best scientific minds are being targeted at resolving key water management issues.

The Goyder Institute is a partnership model that brings together the State’s leading water

research capabilities through collaboration with the South Australian Government, led by

Department for Environment, Water and Natural Resources, CSIRO, Flinders University, the

University of Adelaide, the University of South Australia and the International Centre of

Excellence in Water Resource Management.

South Australia’s Goyder Institute for Water Research delivers high quality, independent and rigorous science to underpin evidence-based decision making in water resource management locally, nationally and internationally.

Since its establishment in 2010, the Goyder Institute has brought together South Australia’s leading water research capabilities through a partnership with The University of Adelaide, Flinders University, the University of South Australia, the CSIRO and South Australian Government research agencies.

Guided by the principles of policy utility, capacity development and the advancement of science, the Institute’s core function is to provide research and independent, expert advice for science-based water policy to the State Government.

It is further intended that this Centre of Scientific Excellence will continue to strengthen the State’s position as an international leader in water resource management and instil confidence in the community that the best scientific minds are being targeted at resolving key water management issues.

STRATEGIC RESEARCH PLAN Summary

3

Strategic Research Plan 2015 – 2019

The Goyder Institute’s Strategic Research Plan 2015-2019 provides direction and leadership in water sciences, engineering and socio-economic research for sound, evidence-based policy development to ensure the water resources of South Australia are sustainably managed for economic, social and environmental benefits.

The Strategic Research Plan links the previous, ongoing and future research activities of the Institute to three targeted impact areas:

• Economic Development

• Healthy Ecosystems

• Climate Action

Within each Impact Area are focused programs that provide the necessary clarity and direction for new research investment to deliver specific outcomes and/or policy directions identified by government agencies and other water industry stakeholders.

The Institute’s efforts are concentrated on enabling fundamental research, applied research, implementation, tools, and fit-for-purpose outcomes in order to arrive at a balanced and integrated R&D profile.

The Goyder Institute Model

The Goyder Institute is a collaboration between the State Government and research institutions that provides independence, transparency and confidence in the decision making process of government. The characteristics of the Goyder Institute model include:

• Responsive, efficient and coordinatedresearch: A small head office team engagesresearch expertise from within partnerorganisations, delivering a structure that isboth robust and flexible. It provides a lowcost, one-stop-shop to connect governmentand the private sector with South Australia’sresearch expertise

• Credible and trusted science subjected torigorous and independent peer review

• Demand driven by investors: Policy and watermanagers work directly with research partnersto ensure alignment of research investmentsto meet government and stakeholder priorities

• Innovation to implementation pathways:Research, industry, government, and trainingproviders working collaboratively to enablerapid progression along the R&D value chain

• The best teams tackling complex challenges:Maximisation of outcomes by drawing onexperts from across all research partners todeliver innovative solutions

• Building of research capability by supportingresearchers and water managers at variousstages in their career development

• Value to research partners: The ability to workon real world problems and find relevantsolutions enhances linkages to industry,international connections, and attracts thebest students to our universities

• The capacity to undertake researchconsultancies on a case-by-case basis andto support partners in applications forcompetitive funding that align with GoyderInstitute priorities.

Progress against the Institute’s strategic intent is measured against a set of high-level performance indicators annually.

Strategic Intent Goal

Excellence Delivery of independent, peer reviewed, world-leading research that supports policy development, decision making and the advancement of science.

Value Maximise the returns on research investment through partnerships with the private sector, research institutions and all tiers of government and by leveraging research investment and knowledge.

Impact To ensure evidence-based science outcomes support State Government decision making and policy development, and progresses scientific understanding.

Collaboration Bring together diverse and relevant expertise to create an environment that inspires innovation and builds capability in water resources management.

2

3

Strategic Research Plan 2015 – 2019

The Goyder Institute’s Strategic Research Plan 2015-2019 provides direction and leadership in water sciences, engineering and socio-economic research for sound, evidence-based policy development to ensure the water resources of South Australia are sustainably managed for economic, social and environmental benefits.

The Strategic Research Plan links the previous, ongoing and future research activities of the Institute to three targeted impact areas:

• Economic Development

• Healthy Ecosystems

• Climate Action

Within each Impact Area are focused programs that provide the necessary clarity and direction for new research investment to deliver specific outcomes and/or policy directions identified by government agencies and other water industry stakeholders.

The Institute’s efforts are concentrated on enabling fundamental research, applied research, implementation, tools, and fit-for-purpose outcomes in order to arrive at a balanced and integrated R&D profile.

The Goyder Institute Model

The Goyder Institute is a collaboration between the State Government and research institutions that provides independence, transparency and confidence in the decision making process of government. The characteristics of the Goyder Institute model include:

• Responsive, efficient and coordinatedresearch: A small head office team engagesresearch expertise from within partnerorganisations, delivering a structure that isboth robust and flexible. It provides a lowcost, one-stop-shop to connect governmentand the private sector with South Australia’sresearch expertise

• Credible and trusted science subjected torigorous and independent peer review

• Demand driven by investors: Policy and watermanagers work directly with research partnersto ensure alignment of research investmentsto meet government and stakeholder priorities

• Innovation to implementation pathways:Research, industry, government, and trainingproviders working collaboratively to enablerapid progression along the R&D value chain

• The best teams tackling complex challenges:Maximisation of outcomes by drawing onexperts from across all research partners todeliver innovative solutions

• Building of research capability by supportingresearchers and water managers at variousstages in their career development

• Value to research partners: The ability to workon real world problems and find relevantsolutions enhances linkages to industry,international connections, and attracts thebest students to our universities

• The capacity to undertake researchconsultancies on a case-by-case basis andto support partners in applications forcompetitive funding that align with GoyderInstitute priorities.

Progress against the Institute’s strategic intent is measured against a set of high-level performance indicators annually.

Strategic Intent Goal

Excellence Delivery of independent, peer reviewed, world-leading research that supports policy development, decision making and the advancement of science.

Value Maximise the returns on research investment through partnerships with the private sector, research institutions and all tiers of government and by leveraging research investment and knowledge.

Impact To ensure evidence-based science outcomes support State Government decision making and policy development, and progresses scientific understanding.

Collaboration Bring together diverse and relevant expertise to create an environment that inspires innovation and builds capability in water resources management.

2

4 5

Strategic Research Areas

The Strategic Research Plan 2015-2019 guides research programs within three targeted Impact Areas, detailed below. All projects within each of the three Impact Areas will be inter-disciplinary where possible, integrated, and involve multiple collaboration partners. All Impact Areas are expected to deliver science that can be used to support policy development in priority policy areas and contribute towards the improved decision making capability of State Government.

1. Economic Development

Water continues to be a challenging State issue and an obstacle to future prosperity, particularly in the mining, agriculture and water security sectors. Research in support of Economic Development will be delivered via three streams: (i) Mining and Energy, (ii) Northern Corridor, and (iii) International Engagement.

There is potential for significant investment over the next 10 years in the mining, food and wine industries, in which collaborative, demand-driven research will be required to underpin sustainable growth and productivity.

• The Goyder Institute will contribute to astate-wide strategic approach to deliver themost cost-effective and prudent managementof water and waste streams for mine sites,mining camps and outback communities thatdo not have reliable supplies of water.

• The Northern Adelaide Plains is one of thepremium food and wine regions of SouthAustralia. There is opportunity for expansionof this region to provide new employmentopportunities in the northern suburbs ofAdelaide.

• By identifying pathways for research outcomesto be utilised by the private sector, andfacilitating collaboration on internationalprojects, the Goyder Institute provides servicesthat are visionary, integrated and sustainable.

2. Healthy Ecosystems

The Healthy Ecosystems Impact Area continues and expands on the activities of the first five years of the Institute, which included a significant focus on the Murray-Darling Basin, inland waters such as the South-East, Mount Lofty Ranges and Lake Eyre Basin, and socio-economic assessment of Marine Park Sanctuary Zones.

These areas continue to be a priority for State Government in achieving optimal outcomes for the environment while also balancing social and economic outcomes in the context of a changing climate, stewardship and competing water demands. Research within the Healthy Ecosystem Impact area will be delivered via three streams: (i) Catchments, (ii) Coasts and Marine, and (iii)Communities.

• Research investment will provideenvironmental leadership to ensure resilient,connected and healthy ecosystems withinSouth Australia

• Development of frameworks that integratehydroclimate, hydrological, environmental,and economic considerations in watermanagement will assist in achievingsustainability

• The work of the Goyder Institute will establishan evidence base to inform and improve theoutcomes of water planning and resourceallocation decisions.

3. Climate Action

The Climate Action Impact Area will further the application of SA Climate Ready data to address key policy challenges in implementing the State’s Climate Change Strategy. Research programs will deliver against government priorities in the areas of (i) Water Security, (ii) Carbon Neutrality, and (iii) Extreme Events.

• Research outputs will improve theunderstanding of risks, vulnerability, andopportunities associated with climate changein South Australia

• Development of mitigation strategies andtools will support real-time risk managementof water resources, irrigated agriculture,and natural resources in response to climatevariations and limitations

• The Goyder Institute will provide a sciencebase to support the achievement of carbonneutrality across South Australia.

4 5

Strategic Research Areas

The Strategic Research Plan 2015-2019 guides research programs within three targeted Impact Areas, detailed below. All projects within each of the three Impact Areas will be inter-disciplinary where possible, integrated, and involve multiple collaboration partners. All Impact Areas are expected to deliver science that can be used to support policy development in priority policy areas and contribute towards the improved decision making capability of State Government.

1. Economic Development

Water continues to be a challenging State issue and an obstacle to future prosperity, particularly in the mining, agriculture and water security sectors. Research in support of Economic Development will be delivered via three streams: (i) Mining and Energy, (ii) Northern Corridor, and (iii) International Engagement.

There is potential for significant investment over the next 10 years in the mining, food and wine industries, in which collaborative, demand-driven research will be required to underpin sustainable growth and productivity.

• The Goyder Institute will contribute to astate-wide strategic approach to deliver themost cost-effective and prudent managementof water and waste streams for mine sites,mining camps and outback communities thatdo not have reliable supplies of water.

• The Northern Adelaide Plains is one of thepremium food and wine regions of SouthAustralia. There is opportunity for expansionof this region to provide new employmentopportunities in the northern suburbs ofAdelaide.

• By identifying pathways for research outcomesto be utilised by the private sector, andfacilitating collaboration on internationalprojects, the Goyder Institute provides servicesthat are visionary, integrated and sustainable.

2. Healthy Ecosystems

The Healthy Ecosystems Impact Area continues and expands on the activities of the first five years of the Institute, which included a significant focus on the Murray-Darling Basin, inland waters such as the South-East, Mount Lofty Ranges and Lake Eyre Basin, and socio-economic assessment of Marine Park Sanctuary Zones.

These areas continue to be a priority for State Government in achieving optimal outcomes for the environment while also balancing social and economic outcomes in the context of a changing climate, stewardship and competing water demands. Research within the Healthy Ecosystem Impact area will be delivered via three streams: (i) Catchments, (ii) Coasts and Marine, and (iii)Communities.

• Research investment will provideenvironmental leadership to ensure resilient,connected and healthy ecosystems withinSouth Australia

• Development of frameworks that integratehydroclimate, hydrological, environmental,and economic considerations in watermanagement will assist in achievingsustainability

• The work of the Goyder Institute will establishan evidence base to inform and improve theoutcomes of water planning and resourceallocation decisions.

3. Climate Action

The Climate Action Impact Area will further the application of SA Climate Ready data to address key policy challenges in implementing the State’s Climate Change Strategy. Research programs will deliver against government priorities in the areas of (i) Water Security, (ii) Carbon Neutrality, and (iii) Extreme Events.

• Research outputs will improve theunderstanding of risks, vulnerability, andopportunities associated with climate changein South Australia

• Development of mitigation strategies andtools will support real-time risk managementof water resources, irrigated agriculture,and natural resources in response to climatevariations and limitations

• The Goyder Institute will provide a sciencebase to support the achievement of carbonneutrality across South Australia.

6 7

Conclusion

In its first five years the Goyder Institute has been instrumental in providing independent, expert scientific advice across a diverse portfolio of water resource management challenges, and has informed policies that will be critical for South Australia’s water future.

In that time, the Institute has been key in developing long-term planning in response to climate change and providing water security strategies to nurture new industries and job creation across the state. It has also has engaged 120 FTEs of researcher time, supported 25 PhD students and three international visiting Professors. By fostering career opportunities for research partners and promoting cross-disciplinary research, it has been pivotal in ensuring the next generation of scientists and water managers are prepared for future challenges.

The Strategic Research Plan 2015-2019 builds upon these important contributions, and outlines an exciting and dynamic roadmap for future research. The unique collaborative model of the Institute will continue to utilise expertise from government, universities and the private sector to build a knowledge platform that supports the needs of end users.

As such, the research outcomes of The Goyder Institute will continue to underpin South Australia’s water management policy, providing innovative techniques and solutions to future-proof the state’s water requirements, ensuring economic prosperity, and tackling the challenges of a changing climate.

Building on Success

RESEARCH STRATEGIC PLANSummary 2016

South Australia’s Goyder Institute for Water Research delivers high quality, independent and rigorous science to underpin evidence-based decision making in water resource management locally, nationally and internationally.

Since its establishment in 2010, the Goyder Institute has brought together South Australia’s leading water research capabilities through a partnership with The University of Adelaide, Flinders University, the University of South Australia, and the CSIRO.

Guided by the principles of policy utility, capacity development and the advancement of science, the Institute’s core function is to provide research and independent, expert advice for science-based water policy to the State Government.

It is further intended that this Centre of Scientific Excellence will continue to strengthen the State’s position as an international leader in water resource management and instil confidence in the community that the best scientific minds are being targeted at resolving key water management issues.

Key Achievements 2010-2015

Since 2010 the Goyder Institute has delivered expert, independent scientific advice that has informed policy development and

decision making in relation to the management of South Australia’s water supply.

• Provided independent expert scientific advice

supporting negotiations of the Murray Darling Basin

Plan.

• Developed an agreed set of climate change data

projections for South Australia for adaptation planning,

providing compelling evidence for the Government’s

investment in water security infrastructure for

Adelaide. This data is publicly available on Enviro Data

SA.

• Undertaken independent socio-economic analysis and

review for the Regional Impact Assessments of the

Marine Park Sanctuary Zones.

• Tested the feasibility for stormwater use and water

sensitive urban design (WSUD) to diversify Adelaide

water supply sources underpinning the State

Stormwater Strategy and the State WSUD Policy. This

supports the development of an Integrated Water Plan

for Greater Adelaide and has enabled the government

to facilitate community engagement in policy

development.

• Developed new airborne geophysical data

interpretation techniques to find potential

groundwater resources for mining developments,

supporting the Plan for Accelerating Exploration

(PACE) and more reliable Aboriginal community

water supplies. The value of these new geophysical

interpretation techniques to the mining industry

was demonstrated by Investigator Resources Ltd.

in a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange

on 4 March 2014. This cited the Goyder Institute’s

FLOWS project on Eyre Peninsula in their mineral and

groundwater exploration programs for their Paris silver

deposit project.

• Developed new techniques to manage the higher salt

levels of recycled waste for irrigation purposes.

• Developed a process and framework for integration

of surface water, groundwater and hydro-ecological

relationships to enable a cohesive approach to water

allocation planning and implementation.

• Developed an approach to assess the ecological health

of the Lake Eyre Basin to inform periodic ‘State of the

Basin’ reviews of the condition of the Lake Eyre Basin

rivers and catchments.

• Engaged 153 researchers to work on South Australia’s

water challenges and opportunities

• Supported 25 PhD students and three international

Visiting Professors.

• Partnered with 57 state, national and international

organizations to undertake demand driven, applied

water research.

Goyder Institute for Water Research

e enquiries@goyderinstitute.org

p + 61 8 8236 5200

www.goyderinstitute.org