Research grant is offered

Tertiary students, individuals and companies are being offered the opportunity to secure funding for environmental research projects relevant to the Gosford Local Government area.

Research topics could include using indicator organisms within Brisbane Water to assess the effectiveness of ecological management actions in the estuary or the calculation of a nutrient budget for Brisbane Water to assess the potential for eutrophication of the more enclosed portions of the waterway.

Reference should be made to the current water quality modelling in the Brisbane Water Estuary Processes Study.

The research undertaken must be original, and could take the form of final year projects, Honours, Masters or PhDs.

Gosford Council's coordinator environmental health and protection Mr Shannon McKiernan said that while proposals addressing the suggested topics were preferred, any proposal in the area of ecological sustainability would be considered.

"The ecological research grants program is an exciting opportunity for Council to support scientific research as well as improve our approaches to working within our natural environment.

"The results from past projects have contributed to the adoption of new practices by Council that have significantly benefited the environment and the community," said Mr McKiernan.

The closing date for applications is Friday, February 24, at 5pm

Media Release, 4 Jan 2011 Shannon McKiernan, Gosford Council