CQUniversity to host Fitzroy Partnership for River Health
CQUniversity Australia has become the new host organisation for the Fitzroy Partnership for River Health (FPRH), helping strengthen the science and partnerships between researchers, industry, government and the community that support healthy waterways across Central Queensland.
The new arrangement will bring FPRH closer to CQU researchers, students and regional networks, creating more opportunities to better understand, monitor and protect the rivers, creeks and estuaries of the Fitzroy Basin.
Since 2009, FPRH has worked with partners to independently assess and report on the health of the Fitzroy Basin's waterways, helping inform environmental management and decision-making.
CQUniversity Vice-President Research Professor Grant Stanley said the partnership was a natural fit for the University.
"Healthy waterways are important to our communities, industries and environment," Professor Stanley said.
"As a leading regional university, CQUniversity is proud to support the important work FPRH does across Central Queensland.
"This partnership will create more opportunities for our researchers and students to work alongside industry, government and community partners to better understand and protect the Fitzroy Basin."
The arrangement builds on an existing relationship between CQUniversity and FPRH through the HeART of the Basin Scholarship.
Established in 2016 in honour of Emeritus Professor Barry Hart, the scholarship supports CQUniversity students undertaking research into the health and use of waterways across the Fitzroy Basin.
FPRH Management Committee Chair Vanessa Lyons said the transition represented an exciting evolution for the organisation.
“This marks an important milestone for the Fitzroy Partnership for River Health,” Ms Lyons said.
“We are excited to begin this new chapter with CQUniversity, whose strong research capability and regional presence will further enhance our scientific work and impact.”
Executive Officer of FPRH, Julia L Page, said the new hosting arrangement would support the organisation’s continued growth.
“Transitioning to CQUniversity provides a strong platform for the next phase of FPRH’s work,” Ms Page said.
“It reinforces our focus on independent, science-based reporting and strengthens connections with research and innovative solutions in the delivery of our programs, while opening doors to engaging new partners and sharing our impact on the global stage.”
The transition follows a long-standing hosting arrangement with FBA, which has supported FPRH since its establishment in 2009. FBA will continue to play an important role as a member of the FPRH Partner Network.
The announcement comes ahead of the release of FPRH's latest Fitzroy Basin Report Card, which assesses the health of the Basin's 11 freshwater catchments and estuary zone.
