Understanding groundwater in the Burdekin

Theme: Environmental Management

Description: 

Groundwater rising in the lower Burdekin is a significant environmental issue with potential to negatively impact agriculture in this highly productive area. Further, excessive use of groundwater for irrigation in the Burdekin delta leaves the area vulnerable to salt water intrusion (SWI). SWI has the potential to render this resource unusable for agricultural purposes and also to shift the biogeochemical processes that drive release and bioavailability of nutrients from soils.

Understanding of the water quality in Burdekin groundwater, compared to local surface waters, is key to designing management strategies to address the risks. This study would review available monitoring data from groundwater bores in the region to identify spatial and temporal trends and compare to the surface waters. The analysis would include assessment of indicators of the presence and extent of SWI. Drawing on existing data, this work aims to further understanding of the complexities driving groundwater quality and provide insights that could direct future decision making.

Additional Information: 

The Michael St John Warne (1962 – 2024) Memorial Scholarship is administered by the Reef Catchments Science Partnership in the School of the Environment. The purpose of the scholarship is to support UQ honours students. Up to three (3) scholarships will be awarded. Each scholarship is worth $5,000 (half paid in February 2026 and half paid on submission of thesis). A top up writing scholarship of $1,000 is available to publish one (1) journal paper from your thesis research after submission.
See https://environment.uq.edu.au/michael-st-john-warne-memorial-scholarship for more information or email rcsp.info@uq.edu.au

Contact: Assoc. Prof. Ryan Turner