Research Lead
Industry Lead
Status
In Progress
Project Type
Round 1
Timeframe
2024 - 2026
Core Partners
University of Adelaide, Australian National University, Watertrust Australia
By building trust and fostering collaboration, the project seeks to co-design new governance models to create resilient social-ecological systems in the Murray–Darling Basin.
About the project
The Murray–Darling Basin faces a water-limited future due to climate change and other complex issues. Effective and adaptive governance is essential to manage these challenges. This project aims to develop inclusive governance models that incorporate the perspectives and needs of First Nations, industry, and public stakeholders. By building trust and fostering collaboration, the project seeks to create resilient social-ecological systems in the Murray–Darling Basin.
The project will engage end users, First Nations, and researchers in co-designing governance models through a series of participatory workshops and case studies. These activities will map current governance arrangements, identify effective governance practices, and propose new models that address climate change and other uncertainties. Workshops will focus on integrating diverse perspectives and exploring future governance options. Semi-structured interviews will complement these workshops to gather detailed insights.
From these activities, the project will develop innovative governance approaches that address past achievements, current challenges, and future needs. The project will produce a comprehensive report on the state of governance in the Murray–Darling Basin, best practice guidelines, and a toolkit of governance approaches that include First Nations principles.
Outcomes
The project aims to create stronger governance partnerships and frameworks that are climate-proofed and inclusive. Immediate impacts include better networked communities and enhanced social learning. In the medium term, the project will support the inclusion of First Nations people and other stakeholders in governance, leading to greater accountability and trust. Ultimately, the project will provide proposals for improved governance approaches that, if adopted, will drive better outcomes for First Nations people and communities across the Murray–Darling Basin. Insights from this project will also have international relevance, offering guidance to other regions facing similar challenges.