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About us
The Centre for Water Economics, Environment and Policy (CWEEP – pronounced ‘sweep’) is a focal point for applied research, dialogues, policy and public engagement, and other work that contributes to improving the health and well-being of rivers, creeks, lakes, other freshwater bodies, and the human societies that are dependent upon them.
CWEEP’s research on water economics and policy is founded upon a systems perspective of trade-offs, decisions, and interactions. The scope of our work explicitly extends beyond understanding freshwater systems: we seek to inform and enable actions that address unsustainable water use, water injustice, and climate change. We value and support community-led research, deliberation, and advocacy that seeks to effect policy reform.
Our geographic focus areas include river basins, catchments, communities, and cities across Australia, the Greater Mekong region, and the Asia-Pacific. In addition to these diverse contexts, the centre's work purposefully engages with water systems of the Canberra and Snowy Mountains region where the ANU is located. This place is a microcosm of key global water challenges, such as environment-hydropower-agriculture trade-offs, compound risks to urban water security, and barriers to naturalising urban waterways. It thereby provides a proving ground for policy insights and solutions that can be adapted globally.
By emphasising place-based research and engagement, CWEEP can contribute to caring for the waterways connected to where ANU staff, students and alumni live and work in Canberra, Australia, and throughout the Asia-Pacific.
CWEEP works closely with other water areas at the Crawford School of Public Policy, including the Water Justice Hub and the Global Water Forum.
Research
CWEEP’s research is grounded in accountability, respect, integrity, and independence, focusing on the complex interactions among physical, ecological, and policy-based water infrastructures to foster positive social and environmental change. Leveraging a broad expertise across disciplines, CWEEP aims to inform and support impactful policy, economic, and environmental transformations.
ABC News
Yass, Boorowa residents spend thousands on bottled water despite election promises to fix problem
ABC News
12 December 2023
Dr Paul Wyrwoll
ABC News
Research finds 400 regional communities lack access to good drinking water
ABC News
21 July 2022
Dr Paul Wyrwoll
Address
Centre for Water Economics, Environment and Policy
ANU Crawford School of Public Policy
JG Crawford Building
132 Lennox Crossing
Acton ACT 2601, Australia
Dr Paul Wyrwoll - Director