A team of researchers from the University of Ballarat will soon commence work on a major innovation project that will aim to manage Victoria’s groundwater systems in a more sustainable way through the use of high capacity broadband networks.

 

Through the use of web-based tools, water managers will be able to construct and display three-dimensional models so groundwater can be tracked and distributed where it is most needed.

"Groundwater data is largely inaccessible to most of the Victorian community. It is stored in various databases, with only a fraction of information available online via websites that are infrequently updated," Helen Thompson, Director of the Centre for eCommerce and Communications, said.

 

Dr Peter Dahlhaus, Senior Lecturer in Geology, said the project would improve the quality and accessibility of the State's groundwater data, and adapt tools that allow groundwater systems to be visualised in 3D.

"Besides its use as a practice change and research tool, it will provide a powerful instrument to educate the broader community on the nature and function of their groundwater systems," Dr Dahlhaus said.

 

Project partners include the Australian National University, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Department of Primary Industries, CSIRO, Thiess Services Pty Ltd, Senversa Pty Ltd, Goulburn Murray Water, Southern Rural Water, Natural Resources Canada, VeRSI and the CRC for Spatial Information.