Dr
Richard George
Principal Research Scientist. Irrigated Agriculture Directorate
My role in the department
I am a land and water scientist passionate about Australian agriculture and the management of the resources on which its future relies. I believe in evidence based science and its role in supporting agriculture. I lead a small group of professionals that assist rural and regional industries through R, D & E focussed on resource assessment, analysis and modelling. Our applied science is supported by research partnerships with CSIRO, Geoscience Australia and other agencies. We are currently engaged in major projects in the East and West Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Midwest, Wheatbelt and Great Southern.
My background
I have a research background in catchment science, specialising in hydrology and hydrogeology. I have adapted tools from the mining industry (ground and airborne electromagnetics) for use in catchment assessment and gained international recognition for their use and interpretation. My goal is to ensure the research that I lead is published and effectively communicated. To this end I have published over 50 journal papers, book chapters and another 150 reports and related articles. A selection of these is available via ResearchGate (a freeware site created by grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to advance the communication of science).
Projects
- $515m Ord Expansion Project – led science-team that gained Federal Environmental approval, involving primary design, data collection, analysis, peer review. Project roles from pre-feasibility to post development planning.
- $40m “Growing The North” (West Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne Foodbowl) leading project innovation, design and land and water assessment.
- Leading engagement with DAFWA in the $40m “Water For Food” program. Subcontracting to deliver land and water opportunities and risk assessment
- Research portfolio – 24 years dryland salinity research, innovation and management; involved in several national collaborative programs (Land and Water Resources Research) and four Cooperative Research Centres (lead scientist to board member).
Key Expertise
Research, project planning, implementation and communication. Mentoring and applications in geosciences, hydrology and geophysics – special interest in dryland and arid zone systems
Qualifications
- PhD. Hydrogeology 1991. Thesis: Interactions between perched and deeper groundwater systems in relation to secondary, dryland salinity in the Western Australian wheatbelt: Processes and Management Options. University of Western Australia