Groundwater Research Centre Launches at Flinders University

A new national groundwater research centre based at Flinders University will aim to find ways to better understand groundwater resources for improved management outcomes. The Centre for Groundwater Research and Training, funded by the Australian Research Council and National Water Commission for the next five years, will tap the knowledge and experience of the country’s leading water experts in 12 universities, the CSIRO, Geoscience Australia, and numerous other water industry as well as Federal and State Government agencies.

Additional direct funding is being provided by the SA and NSW State Governments and other partners. Groundwater accounts for 30 per cent of Australia's water consumption but a lack of understanding of groundwater systems makes effective management difficult. Flinders hydrogeologist and Centre Director, Professor Craig Simmons, said the Centre would make a major contribution towards understanding Australia’s groundwater systems and underpinning the decision-making required to ensure the sustainability of an important national resource.

The Federal Government will commit $30 million to the centre. In the announcement of the funding, Water Minister Penny Wong said it was one of a range of strategies to secure the nation's water. "What we're going to have to do is to look at alternative water supplies, not only at stormwater recycling but possibly desalination, and we also have to use the water that we do get more wisely," she said. "What's important about this centre is it can give us a better understanding of groundwater resources and how best to manage them."