The Catchment Rehydration Selection Tool (the "CReST" model) is designed to prioritise catchments across NSW, providing high-level guidance for selection of agricultural areas that warrant further consideration for implementing landscape rehydration infrastructure and practices at the catchment scale.

The CReST model focuses on suitability for landscape rehydration infrastructure in the watercourse (leaky weirs) and riparian zones (revegetation), revealing the relative potential benefits to both agriculture and the environment resulting from the adoption of these landscape rehydration practices. For more information on landscape rehydration infrastructure and related practices, visit the Mulloon Institute.

The intended users and beneficiaries of CReST are government agencies, regulators, industry, farming communities, natural resource managers, and private organisations. CReST aims to assist in the improved efficiency of resource allocation which support interventions in watercourses and associated riparian zones.

Whilst the ecological condition of nature reserves and urban zones can also benefit from rehydration practices, these land uses have been excluded from the CReST model because the decision criteria in these areas differ markedly from those in agricultural zones.

The CReST model is expected to be dynamic. Ground truthing and validation efforts will be undertaken, and changes to the modelled rankings are anticipated to be required in the future. In addition, as improved spatial datasets become accessible, they may be incorporated into future versions of the CReST model.

Partners

The concept behind CReST arose from a close working relationship between the Mulloon Institute and HydroTerra, a collaboration focused on validating landscape rehydration practices. The flow-on benefits of rehydration to ecological systems and agricultural productivity have been demonstrated by the Mulloon Institute. Empowered by this information, attention turned to investigating how large-scale adoption of the restorative practices could be facilitated. The CReST model was created to provide a roadmap for optimising large-scale adoption across NSW.

Another collaborative relationship between HydroTerra and New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) was introduced, and with willing support of the NSW DPI through their ‘Climate Smart Pilots Project - Demonstrating Adaptation Program’, the development of CReST has become a reality.

The following is a summary of the major partners and their roles in the project.

	The Mulloon Institute is a not for-profit organisation dedicated to, research, education, and advocacy, demonstrating restoration of agricultural landscapes and communities through proven practices in catchment rehydration for a climate resilient future. Mulloon Institute was the lead partner in this project, providing invaluable technical guidance in rehydration practices, connections with spatial mapping expertise and practical support for model testing and implementation.
	HydroTerra is a leading provider of environmental monitoring solutions, helping to create a more efficient and sustainable future. HydroTerra provided hydrogeological expertise in establishing the conceptual approach and spatial assessment criteria, and project managed the CReST model development.
	This project was funded by NSW Department of Primary Industries' ‘Climate Smart Pilots - Demonstrating Adaptation Program’, through the Primary Industries Climate Change Research Strategy and the NSW Government’s Climate Change Fund. In addition to the willing support and funding throughout the project, NSW DPI generated a custom layer providing an indicator of biomass growth response to increase in soil water.
	JB Pacific (JBP) is a specialist flood and coastal risk consultancy. Their staff have expertise in flood modelling, risk and forecasting, coastal modelling and entrance management, disaster management, planning, and engineering. JBP provided their regional scale flooding mapping and data, conducted the analysis of the various data sets to create the data behind the CReST model, and coordinated with JBA Consulting to develop the online portal for the display and functionality of the CReST model.

Acknowledgements

Over fifty experts were consulted for assistance in developing the CReST model. We are grateful to all collaborators, many of whom were willing to give freely of their time.

The following organisations are worthy of mention for their contribution to the project:

• Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), Biosecurity & Social Sciences Program.
• Australian National University, Fenner School of Environment & Society
• Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)
• Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Agriculture & Food
• NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE)
• NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI)
• Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN)
• University of Melbourne, Department of Infrastructure Engineering

Contact

For assistance or feedback on the CReST model, please contact the site manager at info@themullooninstitute.org