Project overview

This desktop study assessed the salinity risk from irrigated agriculture over Central Plains aquifers in the Western Davenport Region of the Northern Territory (NT). The assessment focused on the Central Plains region because it has higher yielding and better quality aquifers than the rest of the region. Thus, it provides greater opportunities for new horticulture developments. 

Project overview

This project identified potential locations and opportunities to reuse wastewater for agricultural purposes in Australia. The research was undertaken by GHD.

This project involved:

Project overview

The project assessed opportunities for new water infrastructure to support irrigated agriculture. It considered groundwater-based systems around Australia and surface water systems in northern Australia. 

It identified areas where developing water infrastructure could support new or expanded agriculture. The desktop study used available data and a clear set of criteria. The reviewed data helped inform the final outcomes. The study included expert knowledge from experienced authors. 

Project overview

CSIRO assessed the possibility of using desalination technologies to support Australian agriculture.
Desalination is a process that removes dissolved salts from: 

• seawater
• municipal or industrial wastewater
• brackish or saline inland water, including groundwater.

The process results in 2 streams: 

Project overview

The Bureau of Meteorology assessed potential climate change impacts on water resources. They did this across Australia, and in selected catchments. They used global and regional scale information.

Their report presents trends, and the data and modelling behind them. This will inform the analysis, planning and investment decisions of the National Water Grid Authority (NWGA). This will help the NWGA plan and build for a future Australia that is water secure, climate-resilient and adaptable. 

Project overview

This project provided the National Water Grid Authority (NWGA) with a rapid desktop appraisal of emerging technologies that have the potential to:

• encourage new agriculture and primary industry development 
• build resilience for existing agriculture and primary industries. 

This research was done by RM Consulting Group. It intended to inform future NWGA Science Program investment. The report includes a gap analysis to identify suggested areas for investment.

Project overview

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is the intentional recharge of water into groundwater aquifers. This is done for environmental benefit or so it can be later recovered.

This project involved a national appraisal of 17 irrigation areas. These were selected if they could benefit from MAR. Benefits include: 

Project overview

The Next Water Source for Exmouth preliminary business case will look at new water source options to meet current and future water demands in the rural community of Exmouth. Options will seek to provide 500 megalitres to meet the current and forecast future water demand to 2050.

Exmouth experiences water insecurity and reliability issues due to ongoing impacts of climate change. Impacts include the reduction of surface and groundwater in the region. With a strong tourism industry, the town currently carts water in during peak travel periods.

Project overview

This project will see the Australian Government provide funding towards the Queensland Government’s review of the Southern and Darling Downs Regional Water Assessment. The project will include Emu Swamp Dam and Pipeline in the review of options.

Emu Swamp Dam and Pipeline will be compared against alternative water security options for the Southern and Darling Downs region, including Stanthorpe.

This funding confirms the Australian Government commitment to water security and responsible investment for the region.

Project overview

The NT region the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA) would support is currently used for cattle. However, a feasibility assessment completed in 2019 shows the region has potential to also produce irrigated agriculture should water be made available.

The preliminary business case investigated options to expand the ORIA across the NT-WA border to deliver water to the NT from Lake Argyle in WA.