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The Barmah–Millewa Forest is the world's largest river red gum forest, and a vital Murray–Darling Basin ecosystem. Natural flooding, combined with water for the environment, maintain ecosystem health and protect native flora and fauna.
MD–WERP is a $20 million, 4-year Australian Government program which aims to build scientific knowledge by generating new knowledge, innovation and tools across the themes of:
- climate adaptation
- hydrology
- environmental outcomes
- social, economic and cultural outcomes.
The report outlines the progress made during 2020–21 which saw the program attract $7 million of in-kind support over the next 4 years and highlights some of the key outcomes achieved by the program across the year, including:
- establishing the MD–WERP Research Consortium between world-leading research institutions - the CSIRO and La Trobe University and their research partners
- building a strong foundation in co-design through a workshop attended by more than 60 policy makers and researchers
- presenting the direction of the research and seeking feedback from more than 150 Australian Government workshop attendees
- co-development of strategic research plans that will direct the research and its outcomes over the next 4 years
- establishing advisory groups for each research theme to ensure ongoing collaboration between researchers and the end-user policy makers
- completion of a short-term investment into a small suite of climate scenarios, and funding approval for 2 additional tactical projects
- establishing strong and coordinated communication and engagement across the program.