Respected regional leader appointed to oversee regional committee responsible for driving community outcomes within One Basin CRC projects in the Murray-Darling Basin (Basin). 

The One Basin Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Edwina Hayes as the new Chair of the Griffith Hub RAC. 

The One Basin CRC fosters collaboration between researchers and industry, bringing together more than 85 partners, to address significant scientific and technological challenges in the Basin through research-based, industry-led solutions. 

Edwina brings with her decades of experience across regional development, government, agriculture, environmental science, and natural resource management sectors. Most recently, she served as CEO and Director of Regional Development at Regional Development Australia (RDA) Murray for six years, making Edwina the ideal choice to chair One Basin’s RAC for the Griffith Hub. 

One Basin’s Griffith Hub is headquartered with Murrumbidgee Irrigation in the Riverina, New South Wales. Incorporating areas of the third and fourth longest rivers in Australia, the hub covers a region with diverse landscapes of significance, from the hills of the Great Dividing Range in the east, out to the plains in the west. 

Now in its third year, with a steady stream of projects in the pipeline, Edwina and the Griffith RAC will help to ensure One Basin CRC’s Griffith-based projects deliver tangible impact for the region.  

“Edwina’s expertise with regional and rural communities across a breadth of sectors will be of immense value for the Griffith Hub strategy’s next phase,” says Griffith Hub Manager Bernadette Torresan. “She has a holistic understanding of and experiences with the Griffith region’s landholders, industry, consumers, and communities, meaning she is perfectly positioned to drive lasting impacting in the community through collaborative research.” 

The One Basin Griffith Hub serves one of the most ecologically and economically diverse areas of the Murray-Darling Basin. The region faces complex challenges ranging from prolonged drought to river health, agricultural productivity, and the sustainability of local communities.  

Under Mrs Hayes’ leadership, the Advisory Committee will guide initiatives that balance environmental and community resilience with economic opportunity. 

“I’m truly excited to play my role in supporting the connection of the academic research world and our irrigation communities. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to liaise and link university leaders and the One Basin Cooperative Research Centre team with local farmers and community leaders across the NSW Lachlan, Murray and Murrumbidgee – Riverina and Goulburn-Murray Victorian irrigation landscapes,” said Mrs Hayes. 

The One Basin CRC continues to build momentum in supporting research and innovation across the Basin. Appointments like Mrs Hayes’ reflect a strong commitment to regional knowledge, collaboration, and delivering outcomes that matter to local people. 

“We are extremely thrilled to welcome Edwina to the team and look forward to her contributions in fostering strong partnerships, attracting top talent, and ensuring impactful research outcomes in the region,” says Bernadette Torresan. “Edwina’s appointment is a significant step towards creating a thriving research hub in Griffith.” 

Edwina Hayes (left), with Griffiths Hub Manager Bernadette Torresan (right)

From obscurity to crisis, water quality only catches attention when a dramatic event occurs. Learn why this should not be the case.

With literally thousands of chemicals in everyday use, many of which find their way into water and have different effects on humans and various other biota, water quality poses risks to human and ecological health, among other impacts. One Basin CRC has been developing a discussion paper setting out key issues in water quality within MDB.

• What is known about water quality in the MDB?
• What are the key gaps in knowledge?
• Are we addressing water quality issues effectively?
• Where should the research focus be in the next 5-10 years to address some of the emerging threats?

Panel Members

• Matt Landos – Future Fisheries Veterinary Service | University of Queensland
• Nyssa Henry – Truii Pty Ltd
• Andrew Western – University of Melbourne
• Jason Wilson – Traditional Owner from the Northern Basin

Delve into the fascinating research underway from One Basin CRC’s PhD scholars as they address a diverse range of challenges in the Murray-Darling Basin:

• Designing effective foresight processes to address climate change – Camaria Holder
• Community wealth building – Miltone Kimori
• Geospatial modelling – Shahin Solgi
• Transformative potential of conflict – Kelsy Burns

Plus, explore the challenges and benefits of regional place-based research from a PhD students’ perspective with a Q&A moderated by One Basin CRC Education and Training Manager Daniel Pierce.

One Basin’s PhD Program:

One Basin CRC’s PhD program provides unprecedented leadership development and industry networking opportunities across the water, agriculture, and environmental sectors in the Murray-Darling Basin. Scholars receive training from internationally renowned experts, invaluable exposure to industry, and an opportunity to live and work in thriving rural and regional communities.

Our 3.5-year scholarships are complimented by an additional 6-month funded industry internship, with scholars spending the majority of their time based out of our regional hubs in Loxton (South Australia), Mildura (Victoria), Griffith (NSW) and Goondiwindi (Queensland). Embedding scholars in the regions ensures direct exposure to industry, communities, and the environment, and facilitates immersion in their area of study.

Interested in pursuing a PhD with One Basin CRC? Take a look at our available positions.

The Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science, and Resources is undertaking a strategic examination of the nation’s research and development (R&D) system to grow our core science and innovation capability. One Basin CRC sees this review as a critical step in unlocking regional innovation and R&D.

One Basin CRC’s submission advocates for the establishment of a national institution and funding program dedicated to land and water research under the Strategic Examination of Research & Development (R&D) program.

CEO Professor Mike Stewardson says, “tackling national land and water challenges through mission-driven R&D would address R&D fragmentation and inefficiencies, build national R&D capabilities, and provide a vehicle which supports co-investment from private industry. “

“A key priority must be the recognition and integration of First Nations knowledge and leadership, ensuring First Nations-led research and the cultural economy are central to the nation’s R&D strategy,” he also stated.

Read the full submission here: https://onebasin.com.au/resources/ (Titled ‘One Basin CRC Submission on the Australian Government’s Strategic Examination of Research & Development’).

One Basin CRC also proudly supported Cooperative Research Australia (CRA) in its submission on the Commonwealth’s Strategic Examination of R&D.

CEO Prof Stewardson led the CRA’s Rural, Regional and Remote Interest Group, which developed a rural-focussed submission that made five key recommendations:

• Establish a National Regional Innovation Fund to build infrastructure and research networks.

• Introduce a Regional Innovation Tax Incentive to stimulate private sector R&D outside metro areas.

• Increase collaboration by CRCs with a regional focus to boost applied research in key industries.

• Create a Regional Innovation Venture Fund to commercialise regional R&D; and

• Support global R&D collaboration to connect regional innovations to international markets.

Read the full submission here: https://onebasin.com.au/resources/ (Titled ‘Cooperative Research Australia Submission on the Australian Government’s Strategic Examination’).

The CRA’s submission focuses on strengthening industry-led R&D through the proven CRC model— with a particular emphasis on enhancing research translation, fostering enduring industry partnerships, and improving policy settings to scale commercialisation and long-term impact.

Australia faces complex and interrelated land and water challenges that are critical to the nation’s environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Climate change amplifies these challenges increasing variability and uncertainty in water availability with declines expected across much of Australia. Despite significant investment in land and water research, current R&D efforts are highly fragmented, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for impact.

One Basin CRC urges the Australian Government to prioritise national land and water challenges as part of its strategic examination of R&D.

One Basin CRC will work with Jibija Ung-Gwee to provide First Nations Engagement sessions at the 2025 One Basin Annual Event.

Jibija Ung-Gwee, an Aboriginal family-owned enterprise led by Tracey and Travis Harbour, brings a deeply grounded, community-led approach to cultural engagement, storytelling, and research. Rooted in Winton, Queensland, their work exemplifies how cultural education can empower communities and strengthen cross-cultural understanding. Their Talk Book initiative offers an innovative, Indigenous-led framework for research and engagement – centering story, listening, and relational accountability as fundamental to ethical collaboration.

In response to a recommendation from the One Basin CRC’s First Nations Advisory Committee, Jibija Ung-Gwee has partnered with the CRC to share their insights and methodologies. Their involvement contributes significantly to shaping culturally safe research practices across the Basin, ensuring Indigenous voices remain central to project design, delivery, and evaluation. Through their collaboration, the CRC is further embedding First Nations values of respect, reciprocity, and self-determination into its operations. 

Did you know that native grains are naturally gluten free? It’s no wonder that native grains, such as Native Millets, Mitchell and Kangaroo grasses, have been used by First Nations for thousands of years as medicine and food; boasting significant health benefits.

Our First Nations Research Lead, Professor Troy Meston, and First Nations Engagement Lead, Geoff Reid, spent a week in Narrabri at the University of Sydney‘s grain research centre to learn of the benefits first-hand and to connect with the Gomeroi/Kamilaroi community, who are leading the latest in native grains research and returning native grains to local communities.

Troy and Geoff were invited to participate in yarning circles to hear from communities on the barriers to adoption, view the latest mechanisation prototypes lead by the University of Sydney, and to speak with Elders and communities about opportunities surrounding native grains.

“The harvest festival was a terrific insight into the benefits that native grains have for First Nations communities, and the many opportunities to engage with the community face-to-face were really special,” Professor Troy Meston said.

“We’re particularly excited about the Gomeroi Nation coming on onboard with the One Basin CRC to co-design a First Nations-led research project into native grains,” Professor Meston said.

“This will be an exciting opportunity that will investigate the routes to uplifting First Nations communities and returning Native Grains to the grass-roots, on-Country history it’s held with First Nations for thousands of years,” he said.

We’re excited to begin this chapter of collaboration with the #Gomeroi Nation. To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/gK_QXCVe

Stay up to date on upcoming First Nations Native Grains project news by subscribing to our newsletter: https://onebasin.com.au/

The Cooperative Research Australia Diversity and Inclusion Grants are now open!

The grant supports researchers, staff, and students engaged in an industry-research collaboration (such as the One Basin CRC) to continue their important work in fostering world-class research by enabling their participation at the CRA’s #CollaborateInnovate conference, hosted in #Melbourne through 19-21 May 2025.

Grant categories include First Nations, LGBTIQIA, Disability, Rural, Regional and Remote, and culturally and linguistically diverse, and more.

The grants are an excellent opportunity to build networks, improve understanding of collaborative research across Australia, and bring diverse voices to the conversation.

Apply here: https://collaborateinnovate.com.au/diversity-and-inclusion-grant/

Our First Nations Research Program is actively engaging internationally to strengthen its advocacy for sustainable river health and intergenerational equity, simultaneously building the One Basin CRC’s global standing.

Our First Nations Research Lead Professor Troy Meston and First Nations Engagement Lead Geoff Reid presented at the 22nd Savanna Science Network Meeting (SSNM) at the Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Centre in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, South Africa.Troy and Geoff delivered two presentations highlighting First Nations activities across the CRC including The Flow-MER Program and upcoming Native Grains project.

The conference was also an opportunity to support one of our partners, Charles Sturt University, as they launched their South African Rivers Initiative (SARI); which aims to enhance river health and biodiversity in South Africa.

Kruger National Park is an incredible natural site, with impressive flora and fauna including not just hippos, crocodiles, lions, and elephants – but also some unexpected familiar life as well – Thema triandra (Kangaroo Grass).

They also had the opportunity to participate in fish tagging exercises to learn about the movement habits of tiger fish and impacts to their environment – a project similar to our fish tagging QuickStart project in collaboration with OzFish Unlimited.

Finally, they presented to the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences at the University of Mpumalanga and to Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Professor Prof Aldo Stroebel, forming stronger connections for collaboration and sharing insights on the incredible work the CRC has begun with our diverse partners.

Learn about the First Nations Program or read more about our OzFish fish tagging program

By Professor Mike Stewardson

Over a series of interviews for The Fresh Water Forum, I explored three case studies – water-sensitive cities, environmental water policy reform, and total channel control technology – where water research has led to major positive outcomes. You can listen to these interviews here.

In the final episode, I was joined by One Basin CRC’s Avril Hogan and Prof. Seth Westra, for a deep dive into what it really takes for water research to make a lasting impact. We explored the three case studies to reveal shared ingredients for success. Spoiler: it’s not just about great ideas; it’s about collaboration, persistence, and perfect timing.

From Research to Real-World Change: The Long Game

One big takeaway? Impactful change takes time—often 10 to 15 years. It’s not just about doing the research; it’s about keeping the momentum, securing funding, and being ready when the right moment strikes. Take the millennium drought, for example. Years of research on water-sensitive design and environmental flows suddenly became crucial when Australia was in crisis. Solutions that had been simmering in the background were finally put into action.
So, what does it take to make research count?

• Collaboration across disciplines—no single field has all the answers.
• Long-term relationships and trust—it’s about who you know AND how well you work together.
• Consistent funding—big breakthroughs need more than one-off grants.
• Seizing the right moment—being ready when decision-makers are looking for answers.

The Secret Sauce: Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Despite working in different areas, all three case studies showed striking similarities in what made them successful. One key factor? Blending expertise across fields and sectors.

Prof Tony Wong, a leader in water-sensitive urban design, stressed the magic of combining deep disciplinary knowledge with cross-sector teamwork. Meanwhile, David Aughton, Executive Director of Rubicon Water, pointed out that not knowing the end goal from the start can actually be a good thing—it forces researchers to stay adaptable and open to unexpected solutions.

And let’s not forget the Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs). Jane Doolan, authority member with the MDBA, reflected that these organisations played a game-changing role by bringing together researchers, policymakers, and industry experts. Instead of working in silos, people were pooling knowledge and making progress together.

Why Problem Framing and Storytelling Matter
A great idea is only half the battle—you’ve got to frame the problem the right way and tell a story that sticks.
Tony Wong explained that defining the problem isn’t something you do once and forget about—it’s an ongoing conversation with stakeholders. Briony Rogers, Director of the Water Program for the Monash Sustainable Development Institute, highlighted that social scientists played a crucial role in reframing problems so they could actually be solved.

And then there’s Peter Cullen, who had a gift for storytelling. His ability to connect science and policy through compelling narratives was a major driver of change. The episode hammered home the point that effective communication requires:

• Telling compelling stories that get people invested.
• Using clear, simple language that bridges the gap between researchers and policymakers.
• Listening to stakeholders to ensure the research stays relevant and applicable.

The Challenge of Working Across Disciplines
Interdisciplinary collaboration sounds great in theory, but in practice? It’s tough. Even fields that seem closely related—like hydrology and ecology—often struggle to communicate because they:

• Use different technical languages.
• Approach problems from different theoretical angles.
• Have distinct professional cultures and ways of working.

Iven Mareels pointed out that specialisation has made collaboration even harder over time. But the good news? These challenges aren’t insurmountable. The key is:

• Investing in trust-building—relationships take time.
• Creating shared understanding—find the common ground.
• Encouraging open dialogue—learning from each other’s perspectives.

Why Long-Term Relationships and Trust Matter

If there’s one recurring theme, it’s this: Relationships drive results.

Angela Arthington shared how some of the most important breakthroughs happened during casual conversations—on walks, over coffee, or in relaxed settings. It’s not just about formal meetings and reports; it’s about creating the kind of trust and camaraderie that makes collaboration seamless.

The key ingredients?

• Genuine rapport—people work better when they actually like and respect each other.
• Years of sustained interaction—breakthroughs don’t happen overnight.
• Informal spaces for dialogue—sometimes the best ideas come outside of work hours.

The Make-or-Break Role of Institutional Support and Funding
Government and institutional backing are absolutely essential for turning research into action. The public sector often acts as the first customer for new technologies, funding early-stage innovations before they hit the mainstream.
But in recent years, declining research funding has created major challenges, leading to:

• Fragmented research efforts that lack continuity.
• Loss of expertise as researchers struggle to secure long-term support.
• Reduced collaboration since funding pressures push teams to focus inward.

When funding is steady and reliable, it enables:

• Stronger, long-term partnerships.
• Development of truly integrated solutions.
• Sustained research capacity to keep momentum going.

Timing Is Everything
Even the best research won’t have an impact if the timing isn’t right. Major transformations take a decade or more, but they only happen when external conditions align with ready-made solutions.

The millennium drought was a perfect example. Years of research into water-sensitive urban design and environmental flows were finally put into action because the crisis created an urgent need for solutions.

The takeaway?

• You have to be patient—real change takes time.
• Crises often serve as catalysts—be ready when opportunity knocks.
• Consensus-building before a crisis makes implementation much smoother when the time comes.

Big Picture Thinking: Transformations Across Generations
These three case studies are powerful reminder: today’s progress is built on yesterday’s efforts. The push for water-sensitive cities and environmental water policy reform wouldn’t have been possible without earlier research into environmental flows and CRC programs.

So how do we ensure that today’s work leads to tomorrow’s breakthroughs?

• Train the next generation of researchers and industry leaders.
• Foster strong industry partnerships that outlast individual projects.
• Build long-term networks of expertise that keep knowledge alive.

We reflect on First Nations perspective of planning for five generations ahead, a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the long-term nature of research impact. The idea? Think beyond the immediate and lay the groundwork for the future.

Final Takeaways
There are significant water challenges ahead for Australia with increasing water demands and growing variability and uncertainty in water availability. Charmaine Quick, MD of Goulburn Murray Water, said it very simply – we need new ways of doing more with less and share this really precious resource.

As water research programs like the One Basin CRC face tackle today’s water challenges, we should learn from past successes.

These podcast interviews were packed with insights on what it takes to move research from the lab to real-world impact. The biggest lessons?

• Collaboration is key—crossing disciplinary and sectoral lines leads to better outcomes.
• Communication matters—great ideas need great storytelling to gain traction.
• Trust and relationships drive change—long-term success depends on human connections.
• Funding must be sustained—research impact doesn’t happen in a single funding cycle.
• Be patient but ready—change takes time, but being prepared when the moment arrives makes all the difference.

The bottom line? Big transformations might seem sudden, but they’re actually the result of years—sometimes decades—of groundwork. If we want to keep solving complex challenges, we need to keep investing in research, collaboration, and the long game.

By Lauren Roden

Researchers are developing a new method to speed up and improve predictions about floodplain inundation in the Murray–Darling Basin, supporting water managers to make more effective decisions about water delivery.

The floodplain modelling tool is a key part of the One Basin CRC project, Reducing uncertainties and enabling multiple benefits in water delivery operations, which explores how water planning approaches can be enhanced to achieve better outcomes for communities, the environment and industry.

“There are constant challenges in river management to get water where it is needed at the right times, balance water in the various storages, and limit unnecessary evaporative losses – and these plans are made in the face of a lot of uncertainty about things like water availability and demand,” Research Fellow in Hydroclimate Forecasting at the University of Melbourne Dr Tristan Graham said.

“Our aim is to provide a tool that allows water authorities and other operators to understand the potential outcomes of different water delivery strategies to help inform their decisions, which can impact a range of stakeholders.”

Dr Graham, who is based at the Mildura Hub of the One Basin CRC, is responsible for building the rapid inundation model that will provide information about the extent of floodplain inundation.

“Current inundation mapping is high quality, but it can take days and sometimes weeks to produce a single scenario, and it is set up to provide conservative – worst case – estimates of flood extents,” he said.

“Our model will produce results much faster – possibly in minutes – allowing more scenarios or possible inflows to be tested. It will also provide best estimates of flood extents.

“This combination of fast evaluation and best estimation will allow river operators to make decisions based on the probability of an outcome occurring – for example, a one per cent chance of unwanted flooding. Being able to predict inundation prior to making decisions will help them plan coordinated flows downstream and deliberate overbank flows like watering the forest.

“The model can also provide useful insights for other stakeholders, such as forest managers, who are more interested in the likely extent of floods rather than conservative extents.”

Partnering for change

The three-year project, which is in its early stages, brings together a wide range of collaborators, including water authorities, irrigators and researchers, who share the goal of maximising the value of increasingly scarce water.

Australian National University (ANU) researcher Dr Wendy Merritt, who has been acting as project lead, believes having the technical, institutional and governance knowledge and expertise built into the one project is critical.

Alongside ANU and the University of Melbourne, the project’s core partners are Murrumbidgee Irrigation, the Murray–Darling Basin Authority, the University of Adelaide and Water Technology. They are supported by a significant group of affiliate partners as well as other organisations involved in water planning and river operations.

“There seems a broad acceptance that there will be less water into the future, as well as more extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, and that river operators and water managers will need to evolve decisions and operations to achieve intended outcomes for the communities, environment and industries who rely on water deliveries through the Murray–Darling Basin river systems,” Dr Merritt said.

“This project draws on research and industry partner capabilities in technical modelling, integration sciences, and river and irrigation systems operations, and leverages the institutional and governance knowledge of the partners and collaborators, to identify and assess opportunities to enhance outcomes from water deliveries.”

Dr Merritt said the partners’ contribution to the project went well beyond their extensive knowledge of river operations and water management.

“In this space, there has recently been a huge investment in models, tools and governance, and our partners have been instrumental in helping scope our research and find our niche within this packed playing field, where our project outcomes can have greatest impact,” she said.

Proven outcomes

The project’s prototype tools and processes, developed to support water delivery decisions that consider all water users, will be tested through a series of case studies.

The primary case study for the rapid inundation model is the Barmah-Millewa Forest, which is complex in terms of the physical system and the multiple organisations involved in managing the river and allocating and delivering water to meet critical human, environment or production needs.

“The Barmah-Millewa Forest represents a key challenge for river operators due to the reduced flow capacity compared to upstream and downstream, and being an incredible ecological asset, recognised as a Living Murray icon site and Ramsar-listed wetland of international significance,” Dr Graham said.

“River operators have to take many things into consideration when controlling flows through this reach, and their decisions can impact the forest along with many other stakeholders.

“For example, overbank flows during summer–autumn can damage the forest, and water needs to be held high for some nesting birds to successfully breed and hatch their young. Then there are recreational uses – making sure storages and waterways are safe and pleasurable for boating, fishing and camping.

“We want to provide a tool that can help inform their operational decisions and consider the impacts on these other stakeholders.”

When the project ends in 2027, Dr Merritt would like to see that partners have confidence in the tools and assessments developed through the project and are identifying ways to adopt and adapt them to improve their operations and produce benefits for other water users.

She also hopes some of the identified opportunities to enhance outcomes from water delivery can be piloted and further assessed for their feasibility and effectiveness within the life of the One Basin CRC.

Regional impact

The first researcher to be located at one of the One Basin CRC’s regional hubs, Dr Graham said it was a privilege to have the opportunity to work regionally.

“My family and I settled quickly into Mildura and I am certainly grateful for the 15-minute trip to work compared to the hour-and-a-half commute each day,” he said.

“The idea of having researchers located closer to the communities and environments they are researching makes a lot of sense.

“Seeing things in person, and spending time with the people who benefit from our work can give us a fuller understanding of the context of our work and guide us to do impactful research.”

Dr Merritt said the project was lucky to have Dr Graham working in the region from day one, especially as it can be challenging to find people who are the right fit for a job and have the flexibility to move.

“The type of research we are doing in the project does need the researchers to spend time in the regions and communities to understand the situation on-ground and build trust and relationships with those operating or affected by river operations, whether it is through this regional research model or another,” Dr Merritt said.

“Being based in Mildura, Tristan has been well-placed to meet in-person with decision-makers, river operators and community members in the region who have valuable insights about the case study and his work.”