Water Policy and Management

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Abstract

In this subject students gain an in-depth knowledge about water policy. The subject is structured in three modules each of three units. Unit 1 provide the context and introduction to water quantity and quality including trends in water supply, climate change and risks to water resources in Australia. Unit 2 explores water use and demand including the value of water to the environment, irrigation agriculture and urban uses, water use efficiency and recycling. Unit 3 focused on water policy and planning including principles of water reform, current developments in water policy and catchment-based decision-making. On completion students will be able to apply their knowledge of water policy in order to make sound independent judgments about the wise management of our rivers

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: Module 1: Water in Australia;Module 2: Water quantity and the water cycle;Module 3: Water quality;Module 4: Water for the environment;Module 5: Irrigation and agriculture;Module 6: Urban /industrial water and recycling;Module 7: Principles of water policy and integrated catchment management;Module 8: Current developments in … For more content click the Read More button below.

This subject will cover the following topics:

Module 1: Water in Australia;
Module 2: Water quantity and the water cycle;
Module 3: Water quality;
Module 4: Water for the environment;
Module 5: Irrigation and agriculture;
Module 6: Urban /industrial water and recycling;
Module 7: Principles of water policy and integrated catchment management;
Module 8: Current developments in water policy; and
Module 9: Tools for catchment-based planning and best practice examples.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

have an understanding of the water cycle including climate change and variability, risks to supply, and interaction of surface and groundwater;

have an understanding of the value of water (quality and quantity) to different users;

have an understanding of the principles of aquatic ecology and allocation of water for the environment;

critically reflect on key regional, national and international issues related to water;

critically reflect on issues associated with water use efficiency and management of water in sustainable agriculture (dryland and irrigation);

critically reflect on issues associated with urban and industrial water use; effluent management and recycling (rural and urban);

review, consolidate, and synthesize the knowledge that underpins the development of water policy in Australia, future challenges, and roles and responsibilities of government, agencies, communities, industry and individuals; and

apply integrated catchment management and regional decision-making in Australia principles in order to develop sound independent judgments regarding the wise management of waterways.

Enrolment restrictions

Incompatible

Learning activities

Intensive School

This intensive provides irreplaceable opportunities for peer and staff interaction. Expert panels and industry/agency specialist provide presentations and debate and there are guest lectures from a variety of people intimately involved in water policy. Field visits (water for the environment, management of regulated rivers, irrigation farms) provide contextualised knowledge required for the deeper thinking needed to participate in the debate and discussion with the expert panel.

Duration3 days

Learning resources

Additional resources required by students

Students attending compulsory intensive schools on Charles Sturt campuses will incur costs associated with travel, accommodation and required resources.