Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) have expressed their support for an "ambitious" plan to innovate and improve water management across the region.
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The proposed ONE Basin Community Research Centre (CRC) is a 10-year plan which aims to use science and research to manage climate and water risks in the Murray-Darling basin.
The CRC is a collaboration between over 80 industry, government, university and community representatives, including Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Wine Australia, Australian National University and the Murrumbidgee Basin Authority.
The plan would see the creation of five regional hubs, including one in Wagga.
From a company perspective and for this region it just seemed like a natural fit.
- Karen Hutchinson, Murrumbidgee Irrigation
Office space in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation building in Hanwood would be used as a 'satellite hub' for the Wagga research centre.
General manager for people and policy at MI, Karen Hutchinson, described the plan as "ambitious" and said it would be fantastic for Griffith and the region as a whole.
"We first spoke to them probably about a year ago," Ms Hutchinson said.
"From a company perspective and for this region it just seemed like a natural fit."
"What we do is about supporting productivity through irrigation and what they're talking about is exactly the same thing - supporting productivity in the basin through innovation and research."
According to Ms Hutchinson, the positive impact of the plan would extend beyond those directly involved with water.
"It adds to the fabric of the community and supports the schools, the sports clubs, the committees and everything else."
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Ms Hutchinson said the ONE Basin CRC has three key "streams".
- Better forecasting and modelling: Understanding what's happening with the water across the region and how that might influence how we work.
- Water futures: Creating efficiency systems, researching connections with rivers, knowing exactly where water is coming from.
- Extension: Adapting to new technologies, introducing technology to the industry and making sure it is used and helping make money for the economy.
ONE Basin CRC posted a video on their website, explaining the proposal:
A final presentation was made to the Federal Government this week in the bid to establish the project, with a response expected in March.
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