Systems-based evaluation for water, environment, waste and the circular economy
Systems-based monitoring, evaluation and reporting that reduces decision risk and strengthens value-for-money assessment — built into the way you already work.
Four practice areas. One systems lens.
MER frameworks for complex government programs, consistent with state and Australian Government Treasury guidelines.
Appropriateness, process and outcomes evaluation for government strategies, grounded in systems analysis.
Water economics and strategic planning for government and not-for-profit organisations, tailored to where a program sits in its lifecycle.
Collaborative design with technical experts, policy officers, regional staff and community stakeholders.
We evaluate complex programs and design monitoring and evaluation frameworks — across water, environment, waste and the circular economy.
Three commitments. One standard of evidence.
Systems-based evaluation rests on field data — condition, hydrology, ecology — not just reported outputs.
MER frameworks →
Frameworks are designed with technical experts, policy officers, regional staff and community stakeholders — not handed to them.
Engagement and co-design →
The methods used on client work are the same ones published and peer-reviewed through the Australian Evaluation Society.
Publications →Water. Environment. Waste and the circular economy.
Risk assessment, MER frameworks and cost-benefit analysis for water security, from catchment to tap.
See our water work →
Systems-based evaluation for environmental water, biodiversity and natural resource programs.
See our environment work →
Turning waste and by-product liabilities into evaluated, productive assets.
See our waste and circular economy work →Evaluations, audits and frameworks. All publicly released.
Evaluating a water conservation program
Cobalt59, Sydney Water — produced for the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
June 2022
Final evaluation report
Department of Planning, Industry & Environment — Environment, Energy and Science; Biodiversity and Conservation
February 2021
Evaluating non-flow measures for native fish recovery
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
December 2024
Independent audit of catchment health across 16,000 km²
Independent audit report to the responsible NSW minister
2019
Triennial audit of catchment health and the measures protecting it
Eco Logical Australia — Beth Medway, lead auditor
June 2023
Four practice areas. One systems lens.
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Contact Cobalt59
Independent, evidence-based evaluation of complex environmental, government and public benefit programs.