A Strategic Science Framework for the National Water Commission

C. Chartres
National Water Commission,
This framework elucidates the role of scientific information in the water reform process and defines some priority areas where specific work is required. Information is provided on the mechanisms available to the National Water Commission to fund such work. It also provides a general overview of the key players in the national water science community in the Appendix. The NWI has 10 objectives. These are considered in the paper from the point of view of what science is required to deliver them. The scientific needs are then grouped under headings relating to: Description and definition of the water resource and its sharing between users; Risks to the water resource in terms of magnitude, characteristics and its functioning; Sustaining the riverine environment and avoiding future environmental mistakes; Science to underpin water trading; and clever and more efficient use of water. Each of these areas is discussed in terms of critical issues of relevance to the NWI and the type of scientific information required to facilitate progress.

A general report with a focus across the whole of Australia, included are important issues which are related to water management, which is a major issue in the Daly region.