In order to achieve these goals we need YOUR help. We are seeking two highly motivated and talented students with an outstanding academic record from a Hydrology and/or Ecology background to undertake PhD research within the following Project; 

• Development of a hydro-ecological modelling environment to provide predictive capacity to assess land use change in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area 

The suitability of land for irrigated agriculture shows considerable spatial variation within the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) due to varying capacity of soil, water and  groundwater resources to sustain farm profitability and environmental assets. There is a considerable knowledge base available to manage this variability consisting of spatial  hydrology and GIS databases developed collaboratively by Murrumbidgee Irrigation and CSIRO.

This project is well-positioned to make significant advances in the development and application of GIS-based models to identify the best options for improving crop production in the MIA whilst minimising adverse environmental impacts. The approach integrates hydrologic and ecologic modelling components in a GIS framework. 

This project involves working in a multi-disciplinary CSU/CSIRO team and with one of Australia’s largest private irrigation Companies as the client. The successful applicants will be involved generally in research activities within the Project objectives. 

Education and Research partners include the Charles Sturt University and CSIRO. 

Applications close: 31 March 2008
For details on projects and priority research degree topics within the Centre or to obtain Scholarship Information, please contact Professor Shahbaz Khan. 

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