Young Water Scientist Award 2007

A new way of prioritising freshwater rivers for restoration and conservation has won Dr Simon Linke, a researcher with the University of Queensland and eWater CRC, the Riversymposium Young Water Scientist Award for 2007.

Linke was one of three finalists vying for this year's prestigious national award, which is sponsored by GHD and the Water Forum CRCs (Cooperative Research Centres).

The award is the culmination of an annual contest between early career scientists who are capable researchers, clear communicators and innovative thinkers with real-world applications for their research.

Linke won the award for his research on identifying endangered freshwater systems of high conservation value. This research has been turned into an interactive software package to analyse and help identify freshwater rivers in danger, while providing suggestions of ways land owners and managers can manage their land to achieve the best environmental outcomes.

Similar systems have been used in the NSW forest agreements and the rezoning of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, but are new in rivers.

"My research is about creating compromises between the conservation of native biodiversity while minimising the impact on other stakeholders such as irrigators or graziers. It's about getting the best bang for your buck in terms of environmental investment," said Linke.

A prototype for the software is currently being developed and discussions are being held with several state and regional bodies such as Brisbane City Council and the NSW Environmental Protection Authority, as well as interest from international institutions from the US and South Africa.