MDBA chief executive Dr Rhondda Dickson said the collaboration would provide important technical and scientific support for decision‐making in the Murray–Darling Basin.
"The three‐year research program will build on our understanding of some of Australia’s most significant groundwater systems," Dr Dickson said.
The National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training at Flinders University will use the funding to continue investigations into how groundwater and surface water interact, the way groundwater is replenished, and the impact of social and economic factors on groundwater management.
Dr Dickson said improving the information available on groundwater in the basin was a priority. "We already have a solid body of research about particular aspects of groundwater, but further work is needed.
"We are looking forward to joining forces with the groundwater centre to further ensure a healthy Murray–Darling system."
The National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training Director, Professor Craig Simmons said he was delighted to be working with the MDBA in this new partnership.
"We estimate that almost one third of Australia’s total fresh water exists underground within the area of the Murray–Darling Basin.
"The more we learn about this resource, the better our understanding of water in the Basin as a whole."
ENDS
For more information, contact the MDBA Media Office at media@mdba.gov.au or 02 6279 0141.
Follow the MDBA on Twitter: @MD_Basin_Auth
Join the discussion on the MDBA blog: http://freeflow.mdba.gov.au/