• Charles Sturt University research seeks people’s input about environmental water flows in the Edward/Kolety-Wakool River system

People along the NSW-Victoria border who have a connection to the Edward/Kolety-Wakool River system are sought for Charles Sturt University research about their perspectives on water for the environment.

Associate Professor in Environment, Sociology and Planning Catherine Allan in the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences in Albury-Wodonga is leading the research. She is also a member of the Charles Sturt Institute for Land, Water and Society (ILWS).

“Knowing how people feel about water for the environment can help water managers and user groups plan their activities and communication,” Professor Allan said.

“It is important not to guess what people think or assume that everyone thinks the same way.

“This survey (questionnaire) has been developed by researchers at Charles Sturt University, with assistance from people who live and work in the Edward/Kolety-Wakool River System.

“If you have an interest in any part of the Edward/Kolety-Wakool river system, this anonymous questionnaire is an opportunity to share your thoughts.”

Participants can access and complete the survey at this link Edward/Kolety-Wakool River System Survey. It can be completed on a mobile phone, tablet or computer, or a paper survey if preferred.

The survey is anonymous, with no names required, and it is open until Sunday 11 July 2021.

Professor Allan said the questionnaire takes less than 20 minutes to complete. It asks questions about people’s understanding of water and how it is managed in the Edward/Kolety-Wakool river system, what they value in relation to water, and their opinions about water planning.

“For an accurate picture of what the broad community knows and cares about in relation to environmental water we need a lot of people to complete the survey,” Professor Allan said.

“There are plenty of opportunities for participants to provide additional written comments, so I ask potential participants to please consider completing the survey and pass the survey link to others.”

If people want to know more about the survey, or if they would prefer to complete a paper copy of the survey, please contact Associate Professor Catherine Allan by email callan@csu.edu.au or phone (02) 6051 9781.

The results of the research will be made available to water managers, community groups and individuals, to help inform their activities and communication, and key results will also be published in a newsletter.

This research is part of the Edward/Kolety-Wakool Monitoring, Evaluation and Research (MER) program, which is funded through the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office. The research has Charles Sturt Human Ethics Committee approval.