A3P Aquatic Pollution Prevention Partnership

With a very positive external review in 2022 (Inexure, 2022), we are proud to announce that our research agreement has been renewed for a further 5-years. 

Using a collaborative research model between Melbourne Water and RMIT University with active involvement of stakeholders, we ensure our research outputs are relevant and timely to facilitate industry adoption.

A3P represents an approach to conduct research on waterway pollution identification and management within the Port Phillip and Westernport region that supports a truly dual focus of:

1. applied research to reduce pollution of waterways and bays and
2. knowledge exchange that integrates research findings and the broader science with primarily Melbourne Water activities, and secondarily those of other stakeholders.

The Partnership is focused on identification and management of pollution in waterways and bays in both urban and rural environments, and the prioritisation and design of interventions for the protection and improvement of waterway and bay ecosystems. As well as helping to inform strategic planning, the research program is designed to be flexible and responsive so that it can also support Melbourne Water’s day-to-day activities. This includes providing direct and easy access to expert advice for Melbourne Water, through co-location of staff (at both Melbourne Water and the Partner Organisation offices) and regular formal and informal interaction opportunities between researchers and waterway managers.

The Research Group is established as an open framework to accommodate collaboration, and actively seek opportunities for integrated and complementary projects with other research groups and industry organisations.