The partnership is:

> a collaboration between Melbourne Water and The University of Melbourne to conduct and apply research to improve Melbourne’s waterways;

> focussed on the drivers of waterway ecosystem condition and the prioritisation and design of interventions to protect and restore waterway ecosystems; and

> conducting applied research targeted at Melbourne Water’s prioritisation and implementation activities.

The partnership aims to:

> undertake dedicated timely and relevant research to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of waterway management;

> develop formal strategies and activities to actively integrate findings from the research into Melbourne Water’s policy and practice (over the next water plan period;

> develop formal opportunities for staff development and two-way exchange between Melbourne Water staff and University researchers; and

> facilitate the independent peer review of scientific and technical reports for Melbourne Water.