21 March 2019

Researchers from three Hub projects were asked to present at the recent Queensland Water Planning Science Forum – this event focuses on environmental and flow-related science and brings together scientists and their collaborators, water planners, policy officers, water managers, and a range of other stakeholders across state and federal governments.

Winning the prize for ‘best presentation of the day’, Dr Ben Stewart-Koster explained research on the environmental water needs of the Mitchell River, a project he leads with Professor Stuart Bunn. Associate Professor Jim Smart discussed the links between Gulf rivers and coastal productivity (research led by Professor Michele Burford), including his work on economic trade-offs, and Associate Professor Mark Kennard outlined work on synthesising and applying knowledge of flow-ecology links to rivers in the north where field data is limited.

Co-researcher Jon Marshall from Qld’s Dept of Environment and Science also overviewed the Hub’s work more broadly and highlighted the Hub’s thoughtful consultation approach. Feedback from presentations was extremely positive, with users especially happy with the applied nature of Hub research, and how we’re framing our work in the terms needed for decision making.

These Griffith University researchers and co-researchers at Qld’s Department of Environment and Science, and Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, as well as other institutions, can celebrate World Water Day on 22 March with this in mind!

Ben Stewart-Koster presenting at Queensland government water planning day	NESP team presenting at Queensland government water planning day	NESP project presenters at Queensland government water planning day
Jim Smart and Jon Marshall at Queensland government water planning day