Written by Clare Beeston

The One Basin Loxton Hub recently welcomed a visit from 28-year-old Iranian PhD student Shahin Solgi, who is undertaking research on irrigation management and remote sensing. With a master’s degree in water science and engineering, Shahin’s wealth of knowledge has led him to become a PhD candidate at Charles Sturt University and One Basic CRC. Shahin plans to relocate to Loxton in June 2024, where he will be based at the Loxton Research Centre for his four year stay in Australia.

With Shahin’s recent visit accompanied by Professor Andrew Hall of Charles Sturt University, Paul Petrie of the South Australian Research & Development Institute, Daniel Pierce of Flinders University, and Kym Walton, One Basin CRC Loxton Regional Hub Manager, Shahin was able to quickly and deeply access the tools and resources available to look further into his PhD topic – geospatial modeling of region-scale crop water-use to forecast climate change impacts on irrigation demand.

While Shahin visited, he was able to see sites such as Wilkadene Station, Noora Evaporation Basin, Loxton Pumping Station, Almond Centre of Excellence, Century Orchards, and much more.

One Basin CRC Loxton Regional Hub Manager Kym Walton was thrilled to undertake Shahin’s initial visit, with big plans for his long-term stay.

‘We are very much looking forward to our inaugural research student being based in the Loxton Regional Hub which will build as more students and researchers arrive to create the place-based vision of the One Basin CRC,’ Kym said.

‘Being located in a region of the basin and working with industry stakeholders on the ground allows a deeper understanding by researchers of the challenges and issues faced and provides the best foundation for research solutions to be developed. In addition to the research aspect of Shahin’s arrival, we also are keen to expose him to all the wider region offerings and the opportunities to be involved in the community outside of work hours.’

Shahin’s goal for his visit was to become familiar and comfortable with the region and environment he is relocating to, while learning more about the region’s industries and crops. Shahin also took the opportunity to understand the facilities, services and support that exist within the Loxton Hub, ensuring that his transition is as smooth and straightforward as possible.

Professor Andrew Hall of Charles Sturt University is looking forward to developing his research relationship with Shahin and One Basin CRC in Loxton.

‘Kym Walton, as the manager of the One Basin CRC Loxton Hub, was a wonderful host, introducing and welcoming Shahin to Loxton and Riverland amenities, showcasing the town as a great place to live,’ Professor Hall said.

‘We toured the region and received a big-picture view of the Riverland’s irrigation infrastructure and supply as well as its major agricultural activities. We were impressed by the facilities offered by the Loxton Research Centre and the Almond Centre of Excellence. We look forward to working with our new Loxton colleagues to produce world leading research outcomes for sustainable irrigation communities.’

Loxton Research Centre (LRC) has a long history of excellence in irrigation research, dating back to the 1970s. The LRC and PhD supervisors respective organizations provide access to experienced research scientists dealing with irrigation demand forecasting and geospatial skillsets. Loxton’s Hub nomination was recognised also for its proximity to academic support structure and location of relevant irrigated industries to the research topic.

In 2024, the Loxton CRC Hub is looking to add additional research students to the Loxton base, commence Round One projects for water futures and leadership, develop Round Two projects for carbon neutrality and integrate First Nations interests into the One Basin CRC research program.