WIDCORP Strategic Plan 2007-2010
1. INTRODUCTION
2. VISION
3. MISSION
4. KEY OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGY
5. GOVERNANCE AND RESOURCING
6. PERFORMANCE AND IMPACT
7. REVIEW
1. INTRODUCTION
Collaborative research focusing on water and sustainable development in dryland regions is becoming increasingly important. In times of increased climatic variability where water is a critical resource, such research will contribute to water reform decision making and exchange of knowledge across regional, national and international boundaries.
THE WATER IN DRYLANDS COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM (WIDCORP) is a collaboration of peak regional and State Government organisations GWM Water, University of Ballarat, Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, and Wimmera Uniting Care. WIDCORP will contribute to understanding the economic, environmental and social implications of changes in the regions water resources in terms of security of supply and improved water quality. It will build regional capacity and capability through alliances with other research organisations and agencies to deliver quality research outcomes for the Wimmera and Mallee communities. Ongoing investment in WIDCORP commits program partners to collaboratively work to identify and invest in high quality research that underpins, supports and promotes the economic prosperity, environmental sustainability and social wellbeing of the communities of the Wimmera Mallee region.
This Strategic Plan has been developed by WIDCORP partners as a statement of our shared purpose and direction. It commits WIDCORP to provide quality research to support the Wimmera Mallee regional community and other stakeholders in managing the change and maximise opportunities that will result from the supply of reliable quality water through the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline Project.
2. VISION
For the Wimmera Mallee to be recognised regionally, nationally and internationally for quality water in drylands research that supports and delivers beneficial environmental, economic and social outcomes to the benefit of the Wimmera Mallee regional community.
3. MISSION
To advance understanding of the value of water and its uses, to identify emerging opportunities for Wimmera Mallee dryland communities experiencing climatic variability and major water infrastructure change, and to provide stakeholders with knowledge to foster the regions capacity to adapt to change in order to achieve economic and social growth and environmental sustainability.
4. KEY OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGY
The Key Objectives of WIDCORP for the next four years to achieve its vision are:
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Objectives |
Strategy |
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1. Advance and apply knowledge of the value of water across all its uses to optimise economic, environmental, social and cultural outcomes for a sustainable Wimmera Mallee. |
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2. Deliver quality research findings to assist the Wimmera Mallee and other dryland rural regions to make considered decisions relating to major water infrastructure and water use in a changing environment. |
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3. Build research capacity in the Wimmera Mallee region through an innovative and responsive water in dryland research program. |
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4. Attract research funding sufficient to realise the objectives of WIDCORP. |
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5. GOVERNANCE AND RESOURCING
WIDCORP will achieve these objectives through:
- Governing Board: provides overall leadership, coordination and research direction and the implementation of the Strategic Plan.
- Research Advisory Committee: prioritises, monitors, and evaluates all WIDCORP research projects.
- Research Director: leads, develops and manages the research activities and profile of WIDCORP.
- Program Development Manager: leading role in the ongoing development of WIDCORP.
- Research Fellows: lead and conduct quality research.
- Post graduate students: conduct and produce quality research for WIDCORP in achieving their post graduate degrees.
6. PERFORMANCE AND IMPACT
WIDCORP will measure its performance by:
- Achieving recognition as a leading research program that delivers quality research outcomes to end users throughout the Wimmera Mallee community
- Undertaking research activities that are collaborative and involves the participation of end users
- Establishing strategic collaborative relationships between researchers and the community Attracting significant funding for the financial support of WIDCORP and related research projects
- Producing and disseminating relevant multi-disciplinary research related to the objectives and the activities of WIDCORP.
WIDCORP will measure its impact through the successful uptake of research outcomes across the region by:
- Increasing the adaptive capacity of the region through identifying new opportunities for Wimmera Mallee communities
- Influencing decisions relating to major water infrastructure and the utilisation of water in a changing environment
- Increasing the capacity of the region in research and knowledge exchange
- Raising the profile of research at the University of Ballarat, Horsham Campus.
7. REVIEW
This Strategic Plan sets out the overall objectives and strategy for WIDCORP over the next four years and will be reviewed annually. It is supported by separate Research and Operational Plans which will be responsive to our stakeholders and be reviewed annually.
