Policy and regulatory aspects of water banking in the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia and California, USA

Description

This CSIRO iPhD funded project investigates the policies and rules that influence the ability and motivations to store river water in underground aquifers for use during drought. The expected outcome is information that can be used to design policies and regulations that allow greater uptake of water banking techniques. These practices can provide cost effective water supplies during drought conditions for Murray-Darling Basin communities, irrigators, First Nations peoples, and the environment.

The project will involve fieldwork in Australia and California with all fieldwork costs covered by the project expense budget. The student will be co-supervised by CSIRO and the Industry Partner (One Basin CRC).

Benefits

This is a CSIRO Industry PhD (iPhD) scholarship. The student will receive:

1. a four-year scholarship package of approximately $47,000 per annum if commencing in 2025
2. a four-year Project Expense and Development package of approximately $13,000 per annum
3. a 60-day Industry Engagement component provided by the industry partner
4. a professional development training program delivered alongside the PhD
5. supervision by the host university, CSIRO and an industry partner.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

1. be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent resident
2. meet Flinders University PhD admission and English language requirements
3. have not previously completed a PhD
4. not be in receipt of another primary scholarship
5. be able to commence the program in the year of the offer
6. enrol as a full-time PhD student
7. be located at the agreed project location(s), and, if required, comply with Flinders University external enrolment procedures.