Life Sciences Commons^™

Sustainability Issues For Agriculture In Western Australia, Anne Bennett, Ross Kingwell, Ross George

All other publications

Agriculture has been and will continue to be a major component of economic activity in several regions in Western Australia, and agricultural communities will remain an important part of the social fabric and landscape of the State. Promoting the sustainability of agriculture is likely to produce three main outcomes: vibrant rural communities; profitable agricultural systems; and conservation of the natural environment.

This paper describes briefly the main challenges to the sustainability of agriculture and outlines some means of responding to the challenges: market-based approaches; agricultural and environmental research and development; accelerated adjustment; and global and national policy initiatives.

Cauliflowers In Western Australia - An Industry Plan, Paul Mattingley

Agriculture reports

The Western Australian cauliflower industry is largely centered around the south-west of the State which, with its cool winter climate and medium to heavy loam soils is well suited to year round cauliflower production and accounts for 77% of State’s output. The Shire of Manjimup alone accounts for about 60% of the State’s cauliflower production. The second most significant region is the Swan Coastal Plain which has lighter soils, and a warmer climate. The Swan Coastal Plain is also suitable for year round production.

Market analysis indicates that West Australian cauliflower, whilst appearing more expensive than produce from the Eastern …

Reseeding Of Grazing Gastropods And Bivalves Into The Marine Environment In Western Australia, Jane Borg

Fisheries Management Papers

The Department of Fisheries does not want to embark on what is ‘new territory’ in Western Australia without a policy framework to define what is to happen, why it is to happen, and what will happen if the project does or does not succeed. This paper therefore attempts to do three things. 1. It sets in place accepted definitions of reseeding and stock enhancement within the general context of fisheries management in Western Australia. 2. It discusses the policy issues associated with reseeding grazing gastropods and bivalves into the natural environment. 3. It proposes a framework or process to be …

Groundwater Study Of The Wandering Townsite, S Ghauri

Resource management technical reports

A groundwater study was carried out in the townsite of Wandering, Western Australia. This report describes the town and its catchment, the hydrogeological investigation characterising groundwater flow systems within the townsite, and recommends actions for managing salinity risk.

Groundwater Study Of The Trayning Townsite, Louise Hopgood

Resource management technical reports

A groundwater study was carried out in the townsite of Trayning, Western Australia. The study presents a model of the hydrogeology below the town and defines management options to help limit damage to infrastructure from surface water, shallow subsurface water and deep groundwater. A drilling program and expansion of the network of monitoring bores were also part of the study.

Cranbrook-Toolbrunup : Catchment Appraisal Report 2001, Tim D. Overheu, Western South Coast Catchment Appraisal Team (Wa)

Resource management technical reports

This report covers the eastern junction of both the Pallinup North Stirling and Kent Frankland sub-regions, comprising of six amalgamated sub-catchments of Pingelup Creek, Solomons Creek, Racecourse Lake, Lake Toolbrunup, Twolganup Brook and Hamilla Hill (west). This report primarily focuses on the agricultural and natural resources at risk within the study area and attempts to identify options to manage the potential risks.

Field Identification Guide To Western Australian Sharks And Shark-Like Rays, R. Mcauley, D. Newbound, R. Ashworth

Fisheries Occasional Publications

This guide is intended to improve the standard of identification and shark-catch reporting in Western Australia's widespread and varied fisheries.

Miscellaneous Publication 6/2001 - Sheep And Goat Industries Biosecurity Plan, Department Of Agriculture Western Australia, Government Of Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

StockGuard has been initiated to develop a series of biosecurity plans for the animal industries in Western Australia. Through StockGuard, representatives from the animal industries have been working with the Department of Agriculture to identify the major threats to each of the animal industries and to develop action plans detailing how these threats will be managed.

The recent Foot and Mouth outbreak in the United Kingdom is a stark example of the potential for exotic disease to devastate an animal industry. The UK experience, along with the 1999 outbreak of virulent Newcastle disease in poultry in New South Wales have …

State Of The Fisheries Report 2001/2002, Jim W. Penn

Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

The State of the Fisheries document is designed as an essential supplement to the Annual Report to Parliament and provides a more detailed level of information to support the Department of Fisheries' non-financial performance measures. by summarising management changes, compliance activities and research data including stock assessments and breeding stock levels, this document provides a valuable reference point for Western Australian fisheries of major importance to the commercial and recreational sectors. Information relevant to the State's developing aquaculture industries and the Department's Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program Is also provided. This year's State of the Fisheries Report has continued …

Soil Groups Of Western Australia: A Simple Guide To The Main Soils Of Western Australia (3rd Edn), Noel Schoknecht

Resource management technical reports

No abstract provided.

Discussion Paper : The Translocation Of Brown Trout (Salmo Trutta) And Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) Into And Within Western Australia., Western Australian Fisheries

Fisheries Management Papers

This discussion paper has been prepared to assist in the assessment of the possible impact of the translocation of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), into and within Western Australia, for the purposes of recreational stock enhancement in public waters, non-commercial aquaculture on private properties and commercial aquaculture. In assessing the translocation of any aquatic species, economic and social benefits must be balanced with biological and environmental risks.

The Introduction And Aquaculture Of Non-Endemic Species In Western Australia: The ‘Rotund’ Yabby Cherax Rotundus And The All-Male Hybrid Yabby. A Discussion Paper., Department Of Fisheries

Fisheries Management Papers

This discussion paper has been prepared to provide information to assist in the assessment of the possible impact of the translocation of Cherax rotundus and allmale hybrid yabbies within Western Australia, for the purposes of commercial aquaculture on private properties. In assessing the translocation of any aquatic species, the economic and social benefits must be balanced with biological and environmental risks.

Developing An Environmental Management System (Ems) For Viticulture, Catherine Nind

Agriculture reports

This guidebook outlines one approach that may be used to develop an Environmental Management System (EMS) for a vineyard. The system described in this guidebook facilitates a continual improvement in environmental management and can be used to demonstrate a commitment to responsible land management. The system is generally consistent with the requirements of ISO 14001: the internationally accepted standard for an EMS.

Invest For Success - Investing In Agriculture In The South West Irrigation Area, Caroline Hatherly, Janet Mccreddin, Georgia Thomas

Farm Systems and Economics published reports

For the South West Irrigation Area to grow and prosper, it is essential that information be gathered and shared, the region promoted, and water used efficiently. The INTERACT project has been developed to do just that and will be a driver for agricultural development into the future.

" Once SWI just delivered water; now it is helping its irrigation industries to grow." Vision statement, South West Irrigation

Total Grazing Management Field Guide Self-Mustering Systems For Cattle, Sheep And Goats, C Underwood

Bulletins 4000 -

Total grazing management (TGM) systems were designed to assist producers in the Western Australian rangelands to improve station productivity.TGM systems can increase the profits of pastoral properties by improving management control over grazing animals and by decreasing operating costs.

Over 1000 TGM yards have been put on the ground in the southern rangelands.The majority of these are sheep and goat systems, though an increasing number of cattle systems, and cattle, sheep and goat systems are being built.

This booklet is a practical guide to the types of TGM selfmustering systems available. It is designed to be used as a planning …

Property Planning Manual For The Swan-Canning Catchment - February 2002, Catherine Nind, Kylie Banfield, Brian Lloyd

Farm Systems and Economics published reports

Perth, its suburbs and adjacent semi rural and rural areas are part of the Swan-Canning catchment. Ona broad scale the Swan and Canning Rivers are part of a large drainage system that collects and drains water from across the catchment via a myriad of small channels, creeks, brooks and drains which, working together, concentrates the flow into a single water body, the Swan-Canning Estuary. This drainage system collects water both from the surface of the land and also from water, which seeps beneath the surface and moves underground.

The water may contain a considerable variety of potential pollutants, such as …

Guidelines For Management Of Farmland Adjacent To The Busselton Wetlands, William Oldfield, Department Of Conservation And Land Management, Department Of Planning And Infrastructure

Bulletins 4000 -

The Busselton Wetlands are a chain of wetlands that lie parallel with the coastline of Geographe Bay, Western Australia and in close proximity to the town of Busselton. The main issues for the maintenance of quality of the wetlands are nutrient levels and habitat value. This guide outlines many of the current best practices related to farming around wetlands.

Profitable And Productive Farming Systems For Management Of Nolba Catchment, B R. Eastough, Nolba Focus Catchment Group

Resource management technical reports

Summary of the main points covered at each of the several workshop and two demonstrations by the Nolba Catchment Group, Western Australia. The areas addressed include: low recharge farming systems; impact on the environment of integrated weed management; management of organic matter in soils within the catchment; dune stabilisation and groundwater hydrology.

Draft Bycatch Action Plan For The Shark Bay Prawn Managed Fishery (Full Report), Jo Bunting

Fisheries Management Papers

Two versions of the draft Bycatch Action Plan for the Shark Bay Prawn Managed Fishery have been released for public comment. The ‘Full Report’ (this document - Fisheries Management Paper No. 147) is a comprehensive version of the plan containing detailed rationale and justification for the objectives and actions proposed in the plan. The Full Report also provides detailed background information regarding issues such as the natural environment in Shark Bay, current management arrangements within the prawn fishery and existing information on bycatch. A shorter ‘Summary Report’ is also available for comment. The Summary Report (Fisheries Management Paper No. 148) …

Fisheries Management Report No. 6 - Proceedings Of Marron Farming Open Day 2002, Greg B. Maguire

Fisheries Published Reports

The marron industry is of considerable importance to the Department of Fisheries, being one of the older aquaculture industries in Western Australia, and one that accounts for around half the aquaculture licence holders in the State. While it has not grown as quickly as many hoped in the past, in 2000/01, some 52.2 tonnes of marron were produced, worth $1.18 million at the farm gate.

It is regionally significant, particularly in the south-west, and depending on appropriate site selection, has considerable potential in other areas. Farms are distributed from near Geraldton to around Bremer Bay, with additional interest around Esperance. …

Miscellaneous Publication 8/2002 - Statistics Report For The Western Australian Floriculture Industry - August 2000, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Horticulture published reports

Statistical data plays an important role in many decisions faced by both established and prospective businesses within all industry sectors. In order to offer a better service to its customers, the Department of Agriculture (the Department) requires information regarding the cutflower and nursery industry within Australia and Western Australia.

Though there are many avenues available in order to obtain this statistical information, both locally and nationally, there is no concise summary available. In addition, information obtained must be assessed in detail to determine its reliability and relevance.

Current statistics for both the Australian and Western Australian nursery and cutflower industries …

Environmental Impacts And Production Effects Of Subsurface Drainage At An Intensive Apple Orchard Near Donnybrook, Wa, D L. Bennett, Richard J. George Dr

Resource management technical reports

This report documents results of research carried out within the Donnybrook area, Western Australia, to determine appropriate management for shallow groundwater system responsible for waterlogging of horticultural crops. On one irrigated and previously waterlogged orchard block an assessment is made of the role that subsurface water control had on fruit production and soil water conditions. The report focuses on environmental aspects.

Policy For The Implementation Of Ecologically Sustainable Development Fisheries And Aquaculture Within Western Australia, W. J. Fletcher

Fisheries Management Papers

The purpose of this ESD policy is to outline a way forward by showing in a practical manner: • how the ESD principles will be interpreted and applied within the fisheries context generally and within the Department of Fisheries specifically, • the conceptual framework that will be used to assess performance against ESD principles, • the methods for reporting on and auditing this performance, and • how these principles and the framework relate to other relevant state, national and international treaties and instruments.

The Translocation Of Barramundi (Lates Calcarifer) For Aquaculture And Recreational Fishery Enhancement In Western Australia., Tina Thorne

Fisheries Management Papers

This Management Paper is intended to assist the Executive Director when considering the issuing of authorisations for commercial aquaculture under Section 92 of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994; written approvals or written authorities for the translocation of barramundi under Regulation 176 of the Fish Resources Management Regulations 1995; and in the development of programs for recreational fishery enhancement of barramundi. It is also designed to provide guidance to the aquaculture industry and recreational fishing groups when considering the farming or stocking of barramundi in this State.

Improved Soil Management And Cropping Systems For Waterlog-Prone Soils : Results Of The 2000 Season, Derk Bakker, Greg Hamilton, David Houlbrooke, Cliff Spann

Resource management technical reports

The results of the fourth year of a five year research and development project to develop soil management practices and cropping systems to prevent waterlogging and increase the productivity of waterlogged lands in Western Australia. The concept of raised beds was used to alleviate or prevent waterlogging.

Assessing Chronological Changes In Remnant Native Forest At Catchment Level : A Case Study On The Toolibin Catchment Area, G R. Beeston, Graciela Metternicht

Resource management technical reports

The aim of this study were to construct a digital database of the historical patterns of land clearing (amount, spatial distribution); to reconstruct the historical vegetation of the Toolibin catchment, Western Australia, using mallet maps and reports of the period; to produce maps showing the rate of clearing for the periods 1960-70, 1970-80, 1980-96; and to analyse the relationships between soil types, topographic position and land clearing.

Blackwood Catchment : Katanning Zone (Zone 6) Appendices : Catchment Appraisal 2001, Henry Brockman, Blackwood Rapid Catchment Appraisal Team (Wa)

Resource management technical reports

Contents: Appendix 1 Climate : risk of frost -- Appendix 2. Hydrology -- Appendix 3. Soils : soil landscape units in the Katanning zone ; soil information sheets for upper Blackwood -- Appendix 4. Evaluation of Landcare techniques : a catchment approach -- Appendix 5. Earthworks and engineering options for surface and groundwater control -- Appendix 6. Native plants of the Katanning Zone useful for revegetation -- Appendix 7. List of contacts.

Native Vegetation In Western Australia : Extent, Type And Status, D P. Shepherd, G R. Beeston, A J M Hopkins

Resource management technical reports

This report describes a new vegetation extent and type dataset for Western Australia prepared through the National Land and Water Resources Audit. Summary tables and maps prepared from these data are presented describing vegetation in relation to natural resource boundaries commonly used for environmental reporting. This present vegetation extent dataset builds on previous vegetation mapping exercises in Western Australia.

Fisheries Research Report No.131 - Pilchard (Sardinops Sagax) Nursery Areas And Recruitment Process Assessment Between Different Regions In Southern Western Australia, Daniel J. Gaughan, Graeme Baudains, Ronald W. Mitchell, Timothy I. Leary

Fisheries Research Reports

Pilchards have been the primary target of purse seine fisheries along the south and lower west coasts of WA for nearly 15 years. Western Australia’s pilchard population consists of separate west coast and south coast breeding stocks. The adult pilchards in the south coast stock can, in turn, be further divided into three separate assemblages. These adult assemblages correspond to the purse seine fisheries at Albany, Bremer Bay and Esperance. However, while the separateness of the adult assemblages is well established, the status of the juveniles within the context of these adult groups is not understood. For example, the habitats …

Alternative Oilseeds R&D For Biodiesel Production 2001, Paul Carmody, Howrd Carr, Anne Morcom, Graham Walton

Research Reports

There is a slow but growing realization that crude oil is our weakness component in Australia’s energy portfolio. Australia’s domestic reserves of heavy crude oil, which is essential in the production of petroleum diesel, it expected to reach exhaustion by 2012 on current usage patterns. A need to become more heavily dependant on import crude oil will impact on our balance of trade and further expose our transport and rural sectors to international oil price fluctuations.

Biodiesel is widely known an excellent alternative to mineral diesel and has been extensively demonstrated in the EC and the United States. It is …