Scoping a decision-support system for the assessment of groundwater trades

Objective: To determine the costs and benefits of a nationally transferable decision support system to assess groundwater trades
Funding:

$75,000

Jurisdiction: National
Commencing: November 2009
Completed: December 2010

About this project

This project will scope the costs and benefits of a decision support system. A scoping study will be undertaken to assist water management agencies across the country.

Project benefits

A decision-support system could provide numerous advantages.  It could:

  • allow trades to be assessed more efficiently, quickly and without the need for extensive specialist skills
  • provide significant savings in time and effort by minimising/automating repetitive tasks
  • ensure consistency, certainty and greater transparency in decision making
  • prove cost-effective for water users and applicants
  • assist the movement of water to its most economically efficient use
  • enhance service delivery.

The scoping study will emphasise national relevance and address the issue of codifying trading rules and also consider any similar systems being used inside and outside Australia.

A decision support system will enhance National Water Initiative (NWI) consistent groundwater management by allowing transparent trades to be undertaken.  It will also provide water managers and groundwater specialists with a tool to improve response times for groundwater trade requests.