The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has announced the start of the Urban Water Human Dimensions Study as part of the Australian Government’s Reefwise Urban Program.
The Department says the work, led by the University of Canberra’s Centre for Environmental Governance with the Centre for Applied Water Science, is an important step toward improving water quality in the Great Barrier Reef catchments.
The study will look at how councils, industry, communities and Traditional Owners understand and use best practices for managing urban water. It will explore what helps – or stops – people from using these practices.
The study aims to:
- Understand what shapes people’s choices – things like culture, community, cost and local rules.
- Find practical ideas to help more people use best practice urban water management.
- Support better strategies to protect the Reef and the ecosystems that depend on it.
The project is funded through the $1.2 billion Reef protection and restoration package and is a major part of phase 1 of the Reefwise Urban Program. It also supports the long-term goals of the Reef 2050 Plan.
If you would like to contribute to the study, reach out to CEG@canberra.edu.au.
