Informing river management policies and programs with science

Abstract

Conventional wisdom has it that we already have enough science to address the problems causing degradation of our environment, including rivers. This is not true. However it is the case that we could be using existing knowledge better, and that we could be doing more to learn the lessons from the huge sums being spent on river restoration and management. Informing good policy and practical on-ground management with R&D outputs has proven to be is difficult, but essential. This paper reviews some of the history of water and river management in Australia and how perceptions of rivers have evolved. It discusses the challenge of enhancing the linkages between science, policy and practice in river management. It outlines the knowledge exchange, R&D and capacity building strategies of the National Rivers Consortium--a new initiative whose founding partners are LWRRDC, the MDBC, CSIRO Land and Water and the Western Australian Waters and Rivers Commission. This strategic collaboration between policy makers, river managers and scientists brings together organisations with responsibility and expertise to improve the health and management of Australian rivers. The National Rivers Consortium is making a major investment in knowledge exchange and capacity building, based on direct personal contact and learning by doing. The Consortium is establishing a program of training activities targeting river managers and policy makers, based on the best available science and high quality information products. It will support river managers as they plan and implement river restoration and protection projects. The paper concludes with a discussion of the key knowledge gaps that remain impediments to the better management of Australia's unique and diverse river landscapes.