Coastal waterways and estuaries are highly dynamic systems. Effective management and planning requires an understanding of the tidal flow characteristics and associated water quality and sediment transport dynamics. Several research projects have been completed examining these characteristics using state-of- the-art computational models in partnership with international collaborators.
The Gold Coast Seaway SmartRelease Project
This innovative research project was aimed at improving water quality in the Gold Coast Broadwater in collaboration with Allconnex and lead consultants DHI Water and Environment.
Population growth and increased pressure on Gold Coast City’s wastewater infrastructure necessitated a recycled water release optimisation study.Through the development of a next generation decision support system, the study will ensure that recycled water release continues to satisfy the demands of an increasing population while ensuring optimum water quality within the Broadwater.
The Centre led the monitoring and measurement component of this optimisation study. In October 2009 the Centre was awarded the Queensland Inaugural AWA Research Merit Award for its work on the SmartRelease Study.
Noosa Erosion Study
This projects aims to examine options for the management of erosion of Noosa Spit inside the Noosa Estuary. A major field data collection has been carried out and a partially-calibrated numerical model for the hydrodynamics of the estuary has been developed as a tool for assessing management options such as groyne field, revetments and submerged bunds.
The Gold Coast Estuartine Modelling Study
The Centre has completed a major project on behalf of Gold Coast City Council entitled the Gold Coast Estuarine Modelling Study which will assist Gold Coast City Council in achieving ecological sustainability for the Gold Coast Broadwater and ensure that Council has an adequate understanding of Broadwater processes to ensure efficient management of the area to protect its natural assets.
This project produced a calibrated and verified model covering the Gold Coast Broadwater and adjacent tidal systems.
Water quality monitoring
A number of student projects have been undertaken applying software designed to assess water quality in urban catchments. These models include the MUSIC (Model for Urban Stormwater Improvement Conceptualisation) software released by the Catchment Hydrology Cooperative Research Centre as a decision support tools for the design of stormwater quality improvement devices, the AQUALM catchment load model and the Resource Management Association hydrodynamic model which has been applied to point discharges in canals and waterways and to the re-suspension of bed sediments in the Broadwater. One-dimensional hydrodynamic modelling using MIKE-11 has also been undertaken for all of the tributary streams flowing into the Broadwater.