Together with Deltares and Flow Matters, HARC is developing FIRM (Framework for Integrated River Modelling), a state-of-the-art, cloud-based scenario modelling platform built on DELFT-FEWS for the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA).
FIRM enables the MDBA to integrate its own hydrological models with various models provided by the states—such as SOURCE, IQQM, REALM, and other bespoke tools—into a comprehensive basin-wide hydrological model. The platform is capable of routing flows between models and incorporating feedback loops to simulate the complex water ordering and management processes across the basin.
FIRM provides the MDBA with a collaborative, adaptable, robust, and transparent solution for running complex model simulations and, visualising and managing the resulting data efficiently.
HARC has played a key role in designing the platform and developing tools that ensure the seamless integration of these hydrological models, linking state-based and MDBA models into a unified basin-wide system. This includes the development of model onboarding tools and an adapter for IQQM, along with additional adapters for REALM and other bespoke hydrological models currently under development.
The first version of FIRM has been deployed on the MDBA’s cloud infrastructure. HARC is now working closely with Deltares, Flow Matters, and the MDBA to further enhance the platform in preparation for the upcoming Basin Plan review.
