The Federal Government has officially launched the new Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Water Sensitive Cities, which will work with over 70 research, industry and government partners to find new and better ways to use and reuse water resources.

 

Launching the CRC, Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Senator Don Farrell, said its research will focus on modeling and analysing society’s behaviour in relation to water usage.

 

"The CRC for Water Sensitive Cities will develop tools and resources to improve urban planning and design and construction processes as well as wastewater management," Senator Farrell said.

 

"It will introduce innovative technologies to better manage urban waterways and minimise the risk of flooding, minimise carbon footprints and maximise the value of urban water services."

 

Minister for Science and research, Senator Chris Evans, said the CRC’s research is expected to ensure planning, design and construction of urbanised landscapes are more sensitive to natural water cycles, reduce water usage, improve ecosystems, enhance wastewater treatment and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

 

The CRC will receive $30 million in Australian Government funding until 30 June 2021, and is supported by higher education institutions, government and non-government organisations, water utilities and the private sector that are contributing a further $89 million.

 

The launch was held at the CRC for Water Sensitive Cities at the Caulfield campus of Monash University in Melbourne.