New institute for water research in South Australia

A new $50 million water research institute will be established in South Australia to help secure and manage the State’s water supply. The State Government will provide $25 million over five years for the institute, which will be matched in kind by the CSIRO, the University of South Australia, the University of Adelaide and Flinders University.

The Goyder Institute for Water Research will provide independent scientific advice on South Australia’s water system, improving the State Government’s ability to forecast threats to water security and develop an integrated approach to water management. South Australian Minister for Water Paul Caica said research from the Goyder Institute would play a vital part in future decision-making:

South Australia is facing a future of declining water availability and quality, and it is vital that we continue to adapt and thrive in a water-scarce environment. We understand the vital importance of the Murray River to our State, and our investment in the Goyder Institute will generate new knowledge we can use to make even better decisions about applying any extra water that we are able to secure.

South Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Ian Chessell said the Goyder Institute will be nationally-recognised as a hub for water research:

This Institute is a partnership between the State Government and CSIRO, as well as the University of South Australia, the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, the South Australian Research and Development Institute, and the Australian Water Quality Centre of SA Water. Other key research organisations will also be invited to collaborate with the institute, which will improve connections between industry and research organisations.