The Research Centre’s governance structure was developed during the establishment phase (1 July – 31 December 2023) and initiated at the beginning of the Delivery Phase (from 1 January 2024). The Centre’s governance (Figure 2) consists of an overarching Commonwealth Steering Committee (CSC) and an underpinning Research Centre Advisory Forum (RCAF).
The Centre governance structure sits alongside the governance of the Goyder Institute, which consists of a Management Board and Research Advisory Committee (RAC). These provide governance and strategic oversight of the Goyder Institute, providing support and endorsement of management strategies for the Goyder Institute as a whole, as well as for the CLLMM Research Centre.
The key role of the Management Board is to set the strategic vision and direction for the Goyder Institute and to monitor its implementation and outcomes. It also reviews and approves annual research programs and budgets, and oversees the effective delivery of the research programs.
The Board comprises an Independent Chair, the Director of the Goyder Institute, and a representative from each partner organisation: SA Department for Environment and Water (representing State Government), CSIRO, Flinders University, the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.
Membership of the CSC consists of 7 representatives drawn from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) (4 representatives), Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWO) (1 representative), Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) (1 representative) and the Goyder Institute for Water Research (1 representative).
The Research Advisory Committee (RAC) assists the Director in the development of the Research and Development Plan of the Goyder Institute and ensures that research is of international quality in areas that will ensure that South Australia’s science is being most effectively deployed to manage the water issues facing South Australia. It may conduct periodic reviews of Goyder Institute research project activities and make recommendations about the direction, content and details of future activities.
The RAC is chaired by the Goyder Institute Director and comprises a research coordinator from each research partner, up to two representatives from agencies as determined by the State, a representative of SARDI, a representative of the Australian Water Quality Centre, and up to three specialists as agreed by the Management Board.
The Research Centre Advisory Forum (RCAF) is a larger collective of 32 members representing community, First Nations and a diverse range of stakeholder organisations who have expertise and connection with the CLLMM region, including a Scientific Leadership Team formed of experts from within each of the Goyder Institute partner organisations (Figure 1). The Science Program development and delivery is guided by the CLLMM Research Advisory Forum (RCAF).
The primary objective of the RCAF is to support the CLLMM Research Centre in achieving its goals and advancing its mission. It underpins the Science Program, providing strategic guidance, prioritisation and support for projects and engagement opportunities.
RCAF membership was sought via invitation to submit an Expression of Interest to garner members with experience not limited to one of more of the following areas:
The RCAF consists of a strong member base representing areas of experience including, Land Management, Water Management, Scientists, First Nations and Community.
The Goyder Institute for Water Research is a research partnership of the South Australian Government through the Department for Environment and Water, CSIRO, Flinders University, the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.
The Goyder Institute for Water Research will receive $8 million from the Australian Government over 4 years from 2023-26 to work with communities to investigate the impacts of climate change on the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth (CLLMM) region.
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