The Water Planning Portal draws on some of the findings from research by Tropical Rivers and Coastal Knowledge research hub (TRaCK).
As part of the TRaCK research, assessments of how the community participated in water planning for the Gulf of Carpentaria, Queensland, and the Ord River Region in Western Australia have been carried out. In addition, TRaCK researchers worked to pilot various tools and techniques in Cape York, northern Queensland and the Darwin area, Northern Territory.
This research is known as the Collaborative Water Planning Project.
The initial concept of the Water Planning Portal, and much of the research into engagement planning tools have been derived friom the research under the Collaborative Water Planning Project.
Developing new approaches for water planning
The Collaborative Water Planning project sought to develop new approaches to water planning in Australia's tropical north.
It was part of TRaCK - the Tropical Rivers and Coastal Knowledge research hub. TRaCK brings together leading tropical river researchers and managers from across Australia to focus on the sustainability of rivers and catchments from Cape York to Broome.
In this research project, the TRaCK team explored ways to improve collaborative approaches to water planning to develop a better means to involve communities, industry and the public; and to include social, cultural and economic values in water planning, especially those held by Indigenous people.
Phase 1 reviewed water planning practices in Australia and overseas. It assessed how the community participated in water planning for the Gulf of Carpentaria, Queensland, and the Ord River region in Western Australia.
Phase 2 piloted various tools and techniques used in water planning in northern Queensland and the Northern Territory. The tools will have been used elsewhere in similar situations. Successful tools and techniques that foster collaboration were promoted. Training materials and guidelines were also developed to help others learn how to adopt them. These products formed the basis of the Water Planning Portal.
Full Reports
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Newsletters
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