Queensland Water Modelling Network publications and resources

The Queensland Water Modelling Network (QWMN) supported research, development, innovation and capability-building activities designed to strengthen Queensland’s water modelling capability and improve the application of water models in planning, policy and natural resource management.

This collection brings together the reports, technical publications, guidance materials, project outcomes and strategic resources developed through the Network. Resources are organised around the research, development and innovation priorities that guided QWMN investment and activity, providing access to work undertaken across landscape rehabilitation and resilience, climate change and variability, model improvement and integration, and building trust and confidence.

Together, these resources provide a lasting record of the Network’s contribution to water modelling capability in Queensland and continue to support researchers, practitioners, decision-makers and students.

Strategic and program resources

These resources provide context for the Queensland Water Modelling Network, including the priorities that guided investment, the principles that informed modelling practice, and evaluations of the Network’s impact and effectiveness. Together, they provide an overview of the strategic direction, governance and outcomes of the QWMN.

Key resources

First Nations knowledge and participation

While not a formal Research, Development and Innovation priority, First Nations knowledge, participation and cultural values became an increasingly important consideration in QWMN investment and project delivery. The Network supported projects that explored collaborative approaches to water modelling, land and water management, cultural flows and meaningful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

These resources document partnerships, lessons learned and emerging practices that support the respectful inclusion of Indigenous knowledge systems alongside technical and scientific approaches to water modelling and environmental management.

Landscape Restoration and Resilience

The QWMN supported projects that improved understanding of erosion, sediment transport, water quality and river system processes across Queensland. These resources support landscape restoration, catchment management and more informed investment in environmental outcomes.

Key resources

QWMN Senior Research Fellow

The QWMN Senior Research Fellow, based at the Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, undertook research to improve understanding and modelling of catchment and receiving water environments, with a focus on gully erosion and Great Barrier Reef outcomes. The Fellowship contributed to the development of modelling approaches that support improved understanding of land management, climate change and water quality outcomes.

Related publications

Climate change and variability

The QWMN supported projects that examined the impacts of climate variability and changing environmental conditions on water resources, ecosystems and water management decisions. These resources support risk assessment, adaptive management and the development of modelling approaches that strengthen resilience to future change.

Key resources

Model improvement and integration

The QWMN funded projects that strengthened modelling practice, improved integration across models and scales, and enhanced the application of modelling tools in planning and management. These resources provide technical guidance, methodologies, reviews and decision-support tools that support the continued development and application of water models.

Key resources

Building trust and confidence

The QWMN supported initiatives that improved understanding, communication and application of water models among practitioners, decision-makers and communities. Recognising that confidence in water models depends on more than technical performance alone, the Network invested in activities that encouraged transparency, collaboration, knowledge exchange and dialogue between modellers, end users and stakeholders.

While several projects specifically explored trust, communication and engagement in water modelling, these themes were also embedded across the broader QWMN program through capability-building activities, communities of practice, forums, field trips, First Nations engagement initiatives and collaborative learning opportunities. Together, these efforts helped build understanding of how models are developed, applied and interpreted, supporting more informed use of modelling in planning, policy and natural resource management.

Key resources

Capability and capacity building

The Queensland Water Modelling Network (QWMN) invested in activities that strengthened water modelling capability across Queensland and supported collaboration between researchers, practitioners, decision-makers and end users. Through the Technical Forum, External Engagement Program (EEP) and Capability, Collaboration and Capacity Program (3CP), the Network supported knowledge exchange, professional development, industry engagement and opportunities for collaboration across the water modelling community.

These activities complemented QWMN’s research, development and innovation investments by building skills, strengthening professional networks and supporting the application of water modelling knowledge to planning, policy and natural resource management. Collectively, they contributed to the development of a connected and capable water modelling sector across Queensland.

Key resources

These reports provide an overview of the capability-building initiatives, partnerships and knowledge-sharing activities delivered through the QWMN from its establishment through to the final years of the Network.