Large scale optimisation of the numbers and locations of meters and monitoring devices, including modelling the multiple objectives of system deployment cost and resolution of data collected, is required for effective system design and operation.

OPTIMA CIs: Assoc. Professor Guido Tack

Associates: Dr Mario Boley

PhD candidate: starting soon

Multi-objective optimisation of environmental outcomes in urban water systems

This project forms part of a broader research program with The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Water that aims to test advances in real-time control technology (RTC) to control a network of small- and large-scale rainwater and stormwater storage. The aim is to simultaneously deliver water supply, flood protection, and delivery of flow regimes into waterways that match the ecological requirements of important aquatic species, such as the platypus.

OPTIMA CIs: Professor Kate Smith-Miles

Associates: Professor Tim Fletcher, Dr Mathew Burns

PhD Candidate: Shiraz (Yi) Zhen

Waterways long-term ambient WQ monitoring network

This project forms part of a broader research program with The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Water that aims to interrogate and optimise the waterways long-term water quality monitoring network. The aim is to identify key physicochemical water quality parameters that best predict stream conditions to allow for targeting of sampling effort and identification of key catchment characteristics linked to water quality and stream values.

OPTIMA CIs: Professor Kate Smith-Miles

Associates: Professor Tim Fletcher

PhD Candidate: Vaughn Gray

Measuring The Birrarung: Data Fusion and Optimisation

Regen Melbourne is a mission driven organisation focused on building a healthier, more resilient and regenerative future for the city. Its partnership with OPTIMA centres on a collaborative PhD project designed to support the vision of making the Birrarung swimmable by building a clearer understanding of the river’s health. The project recognises that many institutions and community groups collect valuable water quality data, yet no single body holds a complete picture of the river from source to sea. By developing a data fusion solution, the PhD student will bring these fragmented datasets together to reveal gaps, strengthen baselines and inform effective monitoring. The work will help identify where new sampling, citizen science or modelling can best improve knowledge of the river’s condition. It will also support evidence based planning for interventions that enhance water quality and extend the swimmability corridor. Through this partnership, Regen Melbourne and OPTIMA are helping shape tools, insights and community engagement that contribute to the long term transformation of the Birrarung.

OPTIMA CIs: Professor Peter Stuckey

Associates: Dr Paul Satur

PhD Candidate: Leilah Taouk