Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons^™

Avoiding The “Fat” Of The Land: Case Studies Of Agricultural Nutrient Balance, David Weaver, Simon Neville

Journal articles

Let’s start with a simple analogy: if a person eats more than they need, they gain weight. That is: if our feed inputs (kilojoules in) are greater than our outputs (exercise — kilojoules out) then we will gain weight (kilojoules in storage).That’s our fat. If, on the other hand, our feed inputs are less than our outputs, then we will lose weight.And if our inputs are the same as our outputs, our weight will remain constant. In general, the further away you are from an ‘ideal’weight, the greater the health risks. And yes, other aspects of your body management — …

Addressing Off-Site Nutrient Pollution Through Conventional Management Actions: A Modelling Case Study, David Weaver, Simon Neville, David Deeley

Conference papers and presentations

The ecology of estuaries on the south coast of Western Australia has been disrupted by increased nutrient and sediment discharge from predominantly rural catchments. Seagrass beds have been replaced by macroalgae, and toxic algal blooms threaten human and animal health, and reduce amenity. A range of conventional management actions are available to reduce nutrient loss at source, and it is important to evaluate possible reductions, and costs, so that limited funds can be targeted to realise the greatest moderation of nutrient loss. A lumped landuse nutrient generation rate model was developed for four catchments (Wilson Inlet, Oyster Harbour, Torbay Inlet …

Pasture Condition Guides For The Pilbara, A L. Payne, A A. Mitchell

Agriculture reports

These pasture condition guides are relevant to about 192 000 square kilometres of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The rangeland of the Pilbara can be separated into 12 very broad pasture types. The ‘pasture type’ is not strictly a botanical classification because, in determining such a class of pastoral lands, the perennial plant species that contribute to stock production have an over-riding importance. Even so, each pasture type represents a broad group of similar vegetation associations or ‘site types’ which will have similar management requirements for pastoralism. The aim of this publication is to provide pastoralists with descriptions and …

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.

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 …

1080 Summary Information, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia, Department Of Conservation And Land Management, Western Australia, Department Of Health, Western Australia

Biosecurity research reports

Fluoroacetate, the active ingredient of 1080, occurs naturally in toxic plants in Australia, South Africa, and South America. Manufactured I080 underpins most vertebrate pest control programs in Australia and New Zealand. Fluoroacetate occurs naturally in about 40 plant species in Australia with most of these plants restricted to the south-west of WA.

I080 was introduced to rabbit control programs in the early 1950s and therefore has a long history of proven effectiveness and safety in Australia. There have been few repo1ted problems associated with human safety, environmental persistence, bioaccumulation or impact on populations of non-target species.

In particular, I080 baits …

Fisheries Research Report No. 134, Vol 1 - Towards An Assessment Of The Natural And Human Use Impacts On The Marine Environment Of The Abrolhos Islands, F J. Webster, C J. Dibden, C F. Chubb

Fisheries Research Reports

The State Territorial Waters surrounding the Abrolhos Islands are gazetted as a Fish Habitat Protection Area and vested with the Minister for Fisheries under the Fish Resources Management Act 1994. Three Fisheries Management Papers have identified management priorities for the marine environment at the Abrolhos Islands:

• Management of the Houtman Abrolhos System
• Aquaculture Plan for the Houtman Abrolhos Islands
• Sustainable Tourism Plan for the Houtman Abrolhos Islands.

These plans and other national and international obligations to examine the effect of extractive and non-extractive anthropogenic activities on marine habitats (eg. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) led to …

Fisheries Research Report No. 134, Volume 2 - Towards An Assessment Of The Natural And Human Use Impacts On The Marine Environment Of The Abrolhos Islands, C F. Chubb, F J. Webster, C J. Dibden

Fisheries Research Reports

These proceedings form the second of two public documents resulting from the project “Towards an assessment of the natural and human use impacts on the marine environment” funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (project no. 2000/166). Volume 1, a summary of existing information and assessment of current levels of human use, was presented at a Public Forum in Geraldton on July 11, 2001.

A two-day workshop was held immediately after the forum and was attended by invited representatives from professional fishing and recreational groups together with research and management experts. The issues identified in Volume 1, and those …

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.

Vegetation Health Analysis (Peel-Harvey Coastal Plain Catchment) : An Impact Study On The Use Of Alkaloam (Bauxite Residue) As A Soil Amendment On Agricultural Land, Garry Heady, Chris Ferreira

All other publications

In 1997, a program was established to monitor the long term, (a minimum of 10 years), impacts on remnant native vegetation, of Alkaloam bauxite residue used as a soil amendment on adjacent agricultural land Data collection is to be repeated on an annual basis for the duration of the program. This report presents pre-treatment site and vegetation data for 2001, the fourth year of sampling in the program. Overall results are compared with those from 1997, 1998 and 2000. Descriptions of monitoring sites and an outline of project design and methodology are provided so the report can be read independently …

Fisheries Research Report No. 130 - Environmental Requirements And Tolerances Of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) And Brown Trout (Salmo Trutta) With Special Reference To Western Australia: A Review, Brett W. Molony

Fisheries Research Reports

Both Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) and Salmo trutta (brown trout) have a long history of translocation and culture and a wide knowledge base exists. O.mykiss is being considered as a candidate for inland aquaculture in the salinity affected areas of southern Western Australia and this review aims, in part, at providing relevant information to those considering a trout-framing venture in Western Australia. Both species of trout can survive a wide range of environmental conditions, including temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen and ammonia, with O.mykiss having a higher temperature tolerance than S.trutta. However, within the ranges of environmental conditions, each species …

Groundwater Study Of The Kellerberrin Townsite, T Cattlin

Resource management technical reports

A groundwater study of the townsite of Kellerberrin. It aimed to accelerate the implementation of effective salinity management options. The study consisted of drilling investation and installation of a piezometer network, a pumping test, groundwater flow modelling and a flood risk analysis.

Revegetation Information And Training Needs Of Western Australia's Extension Intermediaries : A Qualitative And Quantitative Market Research Report, Stephen Lloyd

Agriculture reports

Report on a survey conducted in 2001 for the Department of Agriculture Western Australia's Farm Forestry and Revegetation (FF&R) Project, of 'Intermediaries', that is, those persons who mediate between those with expertise in revegetation and those who require the information. The survey was instigated in order to improve the flow, quality and utility of information as required by intermediaries, and to identify further training needs.

Agwest Revegetation Monitoring Activity, Caroline Hatherly, Tony Allen, Neil Guise

Agriculture reports

This annual report summarises the landcare vegetation and revegetation projects that were completed at the end of 2000 in the Peel Harvey, Leschenault and Geographe Catchments, Western Australia. Revegetation activities included: streamlining, vegetation belts, alley farming, tree lots, revegetation, . Activity was recorded for Coolup, Harvey River, Dandalup Murray, Serpentine Jarrahdale Land Conservation District Committees.

Miscellaneous Publication 009/2001 - Pistachios Western Australia An Income Producing Reforestation Opportunity For The Wheatbelt, Andrew Quinn

Horticulture published reports

Faced with a rising water-table, salt and acid land impacts, the Western Australian Wheatbelt requires significant changes to traditional farming system models.

Part of this drive towards improved sustainability is the need to re-plant substantial areas to tree belts or blocks. One of the limiting factors in the widescale adoption of on-farm tree planting is the narrow range of opportunities to generate income from these sites.

This report presents a model for the development of a Pistachio nut industry with production integrated into existing Wheatbelt farming systems. In addition to offering significant environmental benefits, the Pistachio tree offers the opportunity …

Groundwater Study Of The Pingelly Townsite, Edward K. Crossley

Resource management technical reports

A groundwater study was carried out in the townsite of Pingelly, Western Australia. It aimed to accelerate the implementation of effective salinity management options. The study consisted of a drilling investigation, expansion of a piezometer network, groundwater flow modelling and a flood risk analysis.

Groundwater Study Of The Piawaning Townsite, Russell John Speed, Ali S. Mahtab

Resource management technical reports

A groundwater study was carried out in and around the townsite of Piawaning. It aimed to accelerate the implementation of effective salinity management options. The study consisted of a drilling investigation, expansion of a piezometer network, a pumping test and a flood risk analysis.

Developing An Environmental Management System A Practical Guidebook For Agricultural Businesses, Lucy Taylor

Natural resources published reports

An environmental management system is a tool that many businesses use to improve their environmental performance. Having an environmental management system enables a business to identify and improve management of their significant environmental impacts.

Environmental management systems work to minimise environmental impacts by following a standard 'plan-do-check-improve' management framework. This framework focuses on identifying significant environmental impacts, setting performance targets, establishing means of achieving targets and maintaining sufficient records to show that targets have been reached. Environmental management systems can assist agricultural businesses in:

* improving resource management

* building public confidence in the environmental management of agriculture

* increasing …

Groundwater Study Of The Bencubbin Townsite, Cahit Yesertener, P Lacey, Shawan Dogramaci, F Lewis, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia. Rural Towns Program, Ali S. Mahtab, S Sharafi

Resource management technical reports

A groundwater study of the townsite of Bencubbin. It aimed to accelerate the implementation of effective salinity management options. The study consisted of drilling investation and installation of a piezometer network, groundwater flow modelling and a flood risk analysis.

Groundwater Study Of The Pingrup Townsite, D Pollock, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia, Louise Hopgood, F Lewis, Ali S. Mahtab, Anthony D. Barr, Muhammad J. Siddiqi, Ron Colman

Resource management technical reports

A groundwater study was carried out in the townsite of Pingrup. It aimed to accelerate the implementation of effective salinity risk management. The study consisted of a drilling investigation and expansion of a piezometer network, a pumping test, groundwater flow modelling and a flood risk analysis.

Burakin Focus Catchment Report, Mike Clarke

Natural resources published reports

The Burakin Focus Catchment Project was developed between farmers and Agriculture _ Western Australia. The project was designed to give farmers an understanding of the salinity processes occurring within the Catchment and suggestions on appropriate management.

Work began in the Catchment early in 1999 and was complete at the end of 2000. Intensive hydrological investigations formed the basis of the study, which was complemented by surface water control and revegetation strategies. Agronomic issues associated with sandplain soils were raised by the farmers at the initial meeting and this led to a soil survey to determine the pH status of the …

Farming Systems To Manage Salinity. Farmer Directed Research, Development And Extension. Research Results 2001, Richard Olive

Natural resources published reports

More and more of Western Australia's agnicultural lands are becoming saline. Currently it is estimated that about 18 milliion ha of land are affected to a greater or lesser degree by salinity causing production losses estimated at about $70 million a year.

Unless ways are found to halt and reverse the salinisation of land it is estimated that another 4.4 million ha could become saline over the next 50 years.

Grain growers and the Federal Government, through the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). are investing $12 4 million in R&D across Australia to develop productive solutions to the salinity …

Hydrogeological Study Of The Dongolocking Reserves, Dumbleyung, Western Australia, Ben Whitfield

Resource management technical reports

The aims of the hydrogeological study were to assess the characteristics of aquifers within the weathered zone, throughout the Dongolocking Reserves and in the surrounding farmland; provide baseline data on root zone salt store (EM38) and vertical distribution of stored salts (EM38) through the use of ground-based geophysical techniques; identify remnant bush at risk of salinisation; suggest management options to address any observed salinity problems; provide a groundwater monitoring network.

Fisheries Research Report No. 123 - Review Of Productivity Levels Of Western Australian Coastal And Estuarine Waters For Mariculture Planning Purposes, Alan Pearce, Stuart Helleren, Mark Marinelli, Fisheries Western Australia

Fisheries Research Reports

The measurement of chlorophyll-a (a simple estimate of phytoplankton biomass) is often used as an indicator of water quality. Chlorophyll measurements are relatively sparse for most of the Western Australian continental shelf, although there are areas such as the Perth metropolitan coastal zone, Wilson Inlet and the Albany harbours where some intensive studies have been undertaken.

This review of both published and unpublished chlorophyll concentrations in Western Australian waters has shown a high degree of variability in space (both horizontally and vertically) and time, and statistics on the seasonal distribution of chlorophyll have been derived for those regions with sufficient …

Profiting From Adversity - Meeting The Challenge Of Salinity Through New Industry Development, Andrew Quinn, Tamara Law, Peter Rowe

Natural resources published reports

Salinity in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia is one of the most significant challenges facing the State's agricultural sector.

Efforts to manage the increasing effect of salt influenced and threatened farming land requires not only the implementation of new farming systems, but a new way of thinking and attitude to production more in tune with environmental and technological limitations.

While past environment lobby pressures have significantly focused on other production activities such as mining and forestry, the future is likely to see increased community interest in agricultural production systems.

Consumers World wide are becoming more environmentally sensitive, with global media …

Low Recharge Farming Systems. Case Studies On The South Coast, Arjen Ryder, Jamie Bowyer, Gerry Skinner, Clare Mccarron

Natural resources published reports

This booklet is intended as a guide to assist land managers to design or select low recharge farming systems. Options that increase water use are described with benefits and issues for each option.

Case studies describe the experiences of landholders who have had a go at establishing and managing such systems. Examples are included from different rainfall zones. The systems mentioned in this manual are only a guide.

Case studies describe the experiences of landholders who have hada go at establishing and managing such systems. Examples are included from different rainfall zones. The systems mentioned in this manual are only …

Managing Eucalypt Wheatbelt Woodlands - Revegetation On Farms Information Kit, David Bicknell

Natural resources published reports

Revegetation on farms

The Revegetation on Farms Project and the material in this Information Kit is targeted at the agricultural zone of Western Australia with less than 600 mm rainfall. Some of the information is valid outside this range.

All information is provided in good faith, to help make informed revegetation decisions leading to sustainable land use.

Eucalypt Woodlands A Guide To Management, Liz Brown, Colin Holt

Natural resources published reports

This guide was mainly developed using information gathered from studies in Salmon gum (E. salmonophloia) woodlands. However, the principles in this guide can be broadly applied as it considers the general ecological processes that occur within most woodlands.

If your goal is to restore a woodland to a healthy, functioning unit with a range of original species, this guide provides a way of diagnosing the health of individual woodlands and some of the causes of poor health. It also suggests some relevant management actions.

There is a huge array of different types of Euclaypr Woodlands in the Western Australian Whearbelr, …

Agriculture Western Australia's Great Southern Agricultural Research Institute Katanning, Agriculture Western Australia

Natural resources published reports

Agriculture Western Australia's Great Southern Agricultural Research Institute has been established as a centre of excellence for research, development and extension into sustainable farming systems The. agency has a long association with the town of Katanning dating back to 1925 when the agency provided a general agricultural advisor.

The new Institute is strategically located in the heart of key sheep and cropping production areas with significant growth potential.

Its role is to stimulate the contribution of ideas from individuals, groups and organisations with an interest in research, development and extension relating to innovative, profitable and sustainable animal and cropping based …

Bulletin 4418 - Nebru Focus Catchment Report, Agriculture Western Australia

Bulletins 4000 -

Nehru Focus Catchment is located in the upper reaches of the Arrowsmith Catchment. It is roughly bounded by Sunset Road in the north, the north-south Kadathinni Hills to the east, the Three Springs - Eneabba Road to the south and Reed Road in the west. It changes in elevation from 372 metres Australian Height Datum (AHD) at roughly the intersection of Nehru Rd the Kadathinni Hills to the east and 220 metres AHD near the outlet of the catchment into the Arrowsmith River.

The total area of the catchment is just over 7,400 hectares.

One of the prime areas of …