Why is it called the Goyder Institute?

George Woodroffe Goyder (24 June 1826 to 2 November 1898) was a surveyor in South Australia during the latter half of the nineteenth century, and was appointed Surveyor-General in 1861.

George Goyder observed the difference in vegetation type as a result of rainfall gradients as he traversed the state. He used this to set a limit beyond which cropping would be unsustainable. His predictions were highly unpopular at the time, but he proved to be right.

This line is now called “Goyder's Line” (map PDF 1.0 MB) and was an early example in South Australia of science being used to inform policy.

To learn more about George Goyder go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Goyder

Goyder Institute Partners

The Goyder Institute for Water Research was established in July 2010 as a partnership between the South Australian Government through the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, CSIRO, Flinders University, the University of Adelaide, and the University of South Australia.

Goyder Institute Associates

Goyder Institute Associates typically contribute expertise and capabilities in areas outside of those contributed by the Goyder Institute Partners. Associates may participate in capacity building, knowledge exchange and/or specific research projects, and invest in the Goyder Institute Research program with in-kind commitments in the same manner as Goyder Institute Partners.

Goyder Institute Associates in 2010-11 were the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and SA Water’s Australian Water Quality Centre (AWQC).