A new smart platform is being built to improve waterway management decision making and we would like your input!

Healthy Land & Water is building a smart analytics platform for waterways and riparian areas. The aim of this clever new tool is to help improve decision-making processes by providing catchment managers with accessible, data-driven insights on the benefits of riparian conservation and restoration.

		Seamless user experience Simulating riparian management changes and receiving feedback are designed to appear seamless to the user.
		Decision support based on science Easy to use tool which seamlessly integrates data from remote sensing, management, and policy sources.
		Transparent & reliable The system provides transparent tracing and feedback on the data and modelling process, with terminology, metadata, and coding rules accessible at all times.
	Share your perspective and subscribe We have put together a survey to gather insights from the waterway management community. Sharing your insights during the development phase of this work will significantly improve the outcomes of the work. Please share your insights using this survey Waterway Management User Feedback. Subscribe to project updates using the QR code.

Riparian management investment tool

In the intricate web of waterway management, where diverse stakeholders hold varying perspectives, a clever solution is emerging to navigate the complexity.

To improve access to evidence-based opportunities in waterway management, we are building a pilot interactive riparian investment management tool.

Elevation model of the headwaters of the Brisbane River Catchment, Alice Creek, Yugera Ugarapul Country.

The challenge is clear: managing waterways and riparian zones demands a nuanced understanding of ecological dynamics, coupled with the ever-evolving scientific landscape.

Yet, translating this knowledge into actionable decisions poses a formidable obstacle for stakeholders operating with limited resources.

The objectives

Data integration: The platform ingests, processes, and amalgamates diverse datasets, consolidating fragmented information into a cohesive framework.

Scenario modelling: The tool simulates alternative scenarios, offering stakeholders a glimpse into potential outcomes regarding water quality, quantity, and freshwater biodiversity.

At its core is a probabilistic graphical model (a spatially explicit Bayesian network) that has been developed in consultation with domain experts and end-users. The Bayesian network model gives the user a deeper view than our traditional tools including conceptual maps or linear scoreboards.

User interface: Through a user-friendly interface, multiple stakeholders will gain a unified view of riparian functional value and management options across South East Queensland, fostering collaboration and informed decision-making. Success metrics are grounded in practical outcomes.

The project's efficacy will be gauged by the level of end-user engagement and its sustained integration into catchment management decision-making processes.

Why does this matter?

Riparian ecosystems are often overlooked yet are indispensable. They provide a myriad of ecosystem services from maintaining water quality, to serving as crucial habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Additionally, these areas hold profound cultural significance for First Nations peoples, underscoring the imperative for conservation and restoration efforts.

In South East Queensland, riparian ecosystems face relentless pressures, including land-clearing, invasive species, and the spectre of climate change. The consequences are stark, with reports indicating a steady decline in riparian extent, a trend that demands urgent intervention.

By empowering land and water managers with accessible decision support tools, this project seeks to catalyse conservation and rehabilitation efforts. Ultimately, the Riparian Management Investment Tool embodies a pragmatic approach to addressing complex environmental challenges, ushering in a new era of evidence-based waterway management.

This project is funded by the Queensland Water Modelling Network and the EHMP program partnership which includes Local Governments of South East Queensland, Water Utilities and the Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science. Project partners include Mirror Analytics and Queensland University of Technology.