PhD: Improving the water quality of ecologically and culturally significant urban billabongs

Project Summary

Billabongs are wetland ecosystems of critical ecological and cultural value. The health of many billabongs, however, has declined since European colonisation, particularly in urban environments.

A major barrier to the restoration of urban billabongs is the lack of understanding of appropriate management goals and priority actions to achieve them. In particular, we need to determine the natural dynamics of, and the key drivers of changes to, billabong water quality.

This project will help overcome these barriers by bringing together industry (Melbourne Water), Traditional Owners (Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung), and researchers from CSIRO and the University of Melbourne to address key knowledge gaps limiting the management and restoration of urban billabongs.

Key outcomes will be research contributing to the co-development of management guidelines informed by traditional and western science aiming to maximise ecological and cultural benefits, increased opportunities for Traditional Owner-led waterway management, and greater collaboration between industry, Traditional Owners and scientific organisations.

Degrees Available for this project

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Available Scholarships

A four year scholarship package will be provided by industry partners (CSIRO & Melbourne Water).

Stipend Amount

AUD 47,000 p.a. pro rata

Project Details

Project description

This project brings together cultural and ecological expertise to understand how urban billabong health can be improved. The expected outcome is guidelines on how best to care for billabongs. The project will potentially lead to healthier billabongs, increased opportunities for Traditional Owner-led waterway management, and greater collaboration between industry, Traditional Owners and scientific organisations.

CSIRO Industry PhD Program details

The Opportunity

The CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD) is a four-year research training program, focusing on applied research that benefits industry by solving real-world challenges. It aims to produce the next generation of innovation leaders with the skills to work at the interface of research and industry in Australia.

The Program includes:

1. Admission to a university PhD program.
2. Supervision by the participating university, CSIRO, and an industry partner.
3. A four year scholarship package totalling approximately $47,000 per annum tax exempt (2025 rate).
4. A four year Project Expense and Development package of $13,000 per annum.
5. A 60 day Industry Engagement component with the industry partner.
6. A structured professional development and training program to develop your applied research skills.

Successful students are subject to the policies, procedures and guidelines of the participating university in addition to the CSIRO Industry PhD Program terms and conditions. Students will receive a standard PhD on completion.

Further details

Primary location of student:

• University of Melbourne, 500 Yarra Boulevard, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia.

Industry engagement component location:

• Melbourne Water Corporation, 990 La Trobe Street, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia
• Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, 675 Victoria Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067, Australia

Ideal student skillset:

• A science degree with experience in freshwater or catchment science
• Experience or desire to work in land and/or water science and management
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with a variety of diverse stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience or a desire to work with Traditional Owner groups, particularly in relation to managing Country and water
• Knowledge and appreciation of Aboriginal cultures and matters including cultural safety and social issues
• Strong organisational and time management skills, ability to prioritise multiple tasks and to work productively with limited supervision
• Team-focused and supportive.

Eligibility Requirements

The student must:

1. Be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, or a New Zealand citizen.
2. Meet participating university PhD admission requirements.
3. Meet university English language requirements.
4. Not have previously completed a PhD.
5. Be able to commence the Program in the year of the offer.
6. Enrol as a full-time PhD student. Part-time arrangements may be considered if approved by the supervisory team and in accordance with university policy.
7. Be prepared to be located at the project location(s) that the host university has approved and, if required, comply with the host university’s external enrolment procedures.
8. Be prepared to undergo onboarding to CSIRO, which will include passing mandatory government background checks (allow for between 4 to 8 weeks) and complete any other CSIRO requirements.

Application Process

1. Applicants are required to submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 11:59PM 19th January 2026, consisting of a cover letter (maximum one page), outlining how this PhD opportunity is right for them, and a CV summarising their education and key academic skills.
2. The EOI is assessed by the supervisory team and shortlisted applicants are interviewed.
3. The supervisory team nominates a preferred applicant and informs iPhD office and the Graduate Research School (or equivalent).

Offered by

School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences (D), Faculty of Science

Location

Burnley