QWMN water model catalogue

Executive summary

The purpose of the Queensland Water Modelling Network (QWMN) Water Model Catalogue is to provide a concise overview and collation of the major water models currently used by the Queensland Government. The catalogue is a resource for researchers and students to better understand the scope and range of models being applied by Queensland Government agencies and utilise these tools and applications for teaching and collaborative research projects.

Eighteen water models have been identified through consultation with Queensland Government modelling, planning and policy representatives and are documented in this catalogue. The water models have a wide and diverse range of uses within government and provide support for: land-holder decision making;agricultural systems assessments;water planning decision making;framing catchment and groundwater policy making and reporting;and for receiving waters and coastal water quality reporting.

The water models catalogued cover a wide range of hydrologic processes and simulate and/or predict water quantity and quality at different temporal and spatial scales. They also deal with complex water allocation processes and the management of water infrastructure. It is important to note that a vast amount of experience exists within the Queensland Government in using these models and interpreting their results.

The catalogue uses three water model classifications to broadly identify the most likely research and development modelling opportunities:

1. Mature and well-developed models that have little research and development (R&D)opportunities because they are ‘off-the-shelf’type models.
2. Global and complex models—often proprietary software—where R&D and changes to the model occur largely in response to the needs and requirements identified by a wide community of model users.
3. Queensland Government developed models where intellectual property and capital exists within the Queensland Government. These models are most likely to have the greatest potential for R&D and collaboration with universities.

The catalogue contains a companion spreadsheet that summarises the key attributes for each model within these three classifications.

The two key recommendations from the Water Model Catalogue are:

• A searchable meta-database be developed to allow different model user groups to select water models based on model functionality, complexity, cost,and model applications in Queensland;and
• Organise user engagement workshops to identify areas for strategic improvement of ‘Classification 3’water models in Queensland. Users could include policy and decision makers; model operators, model developers, model trainers and educators.