Queensland Water Modelling Network Technical Forum Summary: November 2017

Executive summary

The Queensland Water Modelling Network (QWMN) convened a Technical Forum in Brisbane 14- 15 November 2017. Seventy-two participants from state and local government agencies, public research bodies, universities, statutory authorities, not for profit organisations and the private sector attended.

The Forum provided an opportunity for a range of public and private organisations to discuss emerging issues and to network with others working in the field of water modelling.

The Forum comprised of: short technical presentations on some of the QWMN’s projects and proposal; facilitated sessions to discuss possible network goals and activities, propose priority projects and evaluation approaches and explore ‘blue-sky’ outcomes for the Network.

Over the two days, participants identified commonalities in critical issues facing water modelling in Queensland, and a strong commitment to establish and contribute to the Queensland Water Modelling Network across multiple roles and issues (e.g. modellers, modelling practices, types of models, applications, uptake by decision makers and end users), and how better linkages and communication channels can generate better outcomes.

The Forum affirmed that:

• the Network include all areas of water modelling, foster a diverse membership and look for synergies and connections and a more holistic approach.
• there was strong support for building capability through seminars, sharing of information, opportunities to collaborate and mentoring.
• collaboration between all levels of government, universities and the private sector on projects which have the potential to significantly impact on water management and modelling practices would be fundamental for success.
• through the QWMN, seek to establish a ‘Community of Practice’ to encourage collaborations on projects, educational opportunities and opportunities to develop leading edge water models.
• the Network could aim to become the authority in water modelling, endorsing or recommending water models and forming expert groups.
• students should be encouraged to undertake research in areas of relevance to the broader Queensland community, perhaps through targeted projects and local workshops.
• regular reviews and evaluations of the QWMN were needed to ensure that it maintained diversity, was effective in delivering outcomes related to educational and collaboration goals and that it continued to be relevant to its members – both organisational and individuals.

Opportunities during the workshop to facilitate networking were well received and attended. Attendance and participation in all workshop activities was high, with preliminary feedback indicating the workshop was an effective starting point for the establishment of a diverse and strong network that would deliver improved outcomes in water modelling to Queensland. This initiative by the Queensland Government and its opportune timing was acknowledged and appreciated.