ECOS eNews

Science underpins future decisions on development in northern Australia

CSIRO has delivered the most extensive, integrated assessment of northern Australia’s water resources and the potential for further irrigated agricultural development. Big idea, big landscape, big data. Here is why the work was necessary and how the results can be used. And read on to find out what could be possible in the river catchments studied and the role of Indigenous engagement as part of the Northern Australia Water Resource Assessment.

Mosaic development potential in Western Australia's Fitzroy River region

Largely untapped aquifer systems could be key to the potential for irrigated agricultural development in the Fitzroy catchment.

Picking the market for irrigation development in the Northern Territory

There’s talk of a ‘food bowl’ in northern Australia. Around Darwin in the Northern Territory it’s more likely to be a fruit bowl.

Agriculture in Queensland's Mitchell catchment - crunching the numbers

Water alone won’t make irrigated agriculture financially viable in northern Australia’s Mitchell River catchment. Local processing facilities will be needed to get a return on investment for any large-scale investment.

Understanding Indigenous water values, rights and development objectives in Australia’s north

An important part of the Northern Australia Water Resource Assessment was engagement with the Indigenous Traditional Owners of the catchments.