Challenge

The Murray–Darling Basin is Australia’s most important agricultural region, yet it faces complex challenges from climate variability, water scarcity, and the need to balance environmental, social, and economic priorities. To secure the Basin’s long-term productivity, resilience, and sustainability, the University of Melbourne sought to establish the One Basin CRC — an industry-led, collaborative partnership bringing together researchers, industries, communities, and First Nations groups. The challenge was to design a bid that could unite diverse stakeholders across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, and demonstrate how practical solutions, innovation, and knowledge sharing would deliver value from water in a changing world.

Approach

As Bid Manager, CIS provided comprehensive support with our role including:

• Project management, strategic advice, impact modelling, and drafting for the Stage 1 and Stage 2 applications

• Supporting partner engagement and collection of partner information

• Collaboration with Bid Leaders and stakeholders to support the regional hub strategy and Education and Training Program design

• Supporting the interview team with their pitch and preparation.

Outcome

The One Basin CRC was awarded $50 million in Australian Government funding over ten years, with total investment reaching $156.5 million through partner contributions. The initiative is projected to generate $4.3 billion in economic impact by 2037, advancing innovations in water, agriculture, and energy technologies. Regional hubs now serve as focal points for research, demonstration, education, and training, enabling communities and industries to participate directly in shaping the prosperity and sustainability of the Murray–Darling Basin.