IAH WA Tech Talk September 2024 - Dr. Sandie McHugh

Please join the IAH WA branch for our upcoming September tech talk, where we are pleased to host Dr. Sandie McHugh (DWER).

Date: Tuesday 10th September 2024

Venue: Theatrette @ Central Park

Fellowship: 1730 to 1800

Talk: 1800 to 1900

Title: Guide to future climate projections for water management in Western Australia

Summary:

Dr Sandie McHugh is going to present the new "Guide to Future Climate Projections for Water Management in Western Australia" . The Guide provides a practical framework for incorporating climate change projections into water resource impact assessments. Aimed at qualified practitioners like planners, modelers, and consultants, as well as those managing expectations about future climate information, the guide offers up-to-date methods for using climate projections in water management. Created by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and reviewed by experts from various sectors, the guide introduces a new framework based on the ‘storylines’ approach and recommends using the latest 32 regional climate projections from the Bureau of Meteorology. It replaces the previous guide from 2015 and includes additional information on climate trends, First Nations knowledge, and climate modelling. The guide will be available online at www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/guide-future-climate-projections-water-management-western-australia.

About the Speaker:

Dr Sandie McHugh is the Director of Water Science at the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER). As a hydrogeologist, Sandie has worked across the State and developed a deep understanding of the hydrogeology, and groundwater management challenges of Western Australia. Sandie has overseen several significant groundwater investigation programs that have been conducted in Western Australia to support sustainable water management. The State Groundwater Investigation Program, initiated in 2005, is an ongoing strategic effort to gather new hydrogeological data across the state. From 2012 to 2016, Royalties for Regions funded projects accelerated these efforts, identifying new groundwater resources in key regions like the Kimberley, Pilbara, and South West. The Perth Region Confined Aquifer Capacity study (2012–2016) focused on deep aquifers under Perth, improving understanding of groundwater interactions and recharge. Additionally, the Shallow Groundwater System investigations (2006–2011) examined the relationships between shallow groundwater and various lakes and wetlands in the Perth metropolitan area. Sandie also oversees the departments Water Modelling Program, and is a member of several national scientific committees and working groups. Evolving into numerous leadership roles, Sandie is recognised as a trusted science leader across groundwater, surface water and hydroclimate disciplines.

Host or Publisher International Association of Hydrogeologists, Western Australia Branch.