Environmental Monitoring Commons^™

Fisheries Research Report No. 129 - Morphology And Incidence Of Yabby (Cherax Albidus) Burrows In Western Australia, Craig S. Lawrence

Fisheries Research Reports

Yabby (Cherax albidus) burrows were recorded from dams, channels and ponds in Western Australia. Twenty five sites were sampled during Spring, 1998 and the burrow morphology and density was described from six of these locations where burrows were present. To improve the sample size and address seasonal trends 49 commercially harvested yabby dams were sampled over the summer of 1999/2000 and the number and density of yabby burrows were recorded. Burrow incidence and morphology was also recorded from 25 research ponds at the Avondale Research Station between 1995-1997. Soil and water chemistry values are presented and their relationships with burrow …

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.

State Of The Fisheries Report 2000/2001, 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 aquaculture industries and the Department's Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program is also provided. In keeping with the Department's significant 2000/2001 initiative to begin …

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.

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.

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.

Before And After Riparian Management: Sediment And Nutrient Exports From A Small Agricultural Catchment, Western Australia, Lucy Mckergow, David Weaver, I Prosser, R Grayson, A. E.G. Reed

Conference papers and presentations

Riparian vegetation can trap sediment and nutrients coming from hillslopes and reduce stream bank erosion. This study presents results from a 10 year stream monitoring program in a small agricultural catchment near Albany, Western Australia. In 1996, a 1.6 km stream reach was fenced, planted with eucalyptus species and managed separately from the adjacent paddocks. Stream flow, nutrient and sediment concentration data were collected at the downstream end of the fenced riparian area between 1991 and 2000, so there are data for the “before” and “after” riparian management periods. Suspended sediment concentrations fell dramatically following riparian management; the average event …

Relationships Between Stream Order And Management Priority: A Water Quality Case Study, David Weaver, Adrian Reed, John Grant

Conference papers and presentations

Seagrass, which once dominated the habitat of Oyster Harbour on the south coast of Western Australia has been replaced by macroalgae because of increased nutrient and sediment discharge from the rural dominated catchment. Total Phosphorus (TP), Total Nitrogen (TN), Suspended Sediment (SS) and Electrical Conductivity (EC) concentrations from a catchment – wide (168 sites), event-driven snapshot, water quality monitoring program conducted from 1994 to 1996, were analysed in relation to stream order and published survey data on riparian zone condition. This analysis was performed to examine relationships between stream order, riparian zone condition and water quality, and implications for 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 …

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 …

South West Hydrological Information Package : Understanding And Managing Hydrological Issues On Agricultural Land In The South West Of Western Australia, Peter J. Tille, T W. Mathwin, Richard J. George Dr

Bulletins 4000 -

This manual reviews current knowledge of the hydrological issues that affect, or are affected by, agriculture in the catchments of the south west of Western Australia.

Wa Soil Erosion Under Investigation, George Richard Dr

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

A survey of soil erosion at 70 sites throughout Western Australia, recently completed as a part of a National Reconnaissance Survey, has shown that erosion is occurring at an unsustainable rate. While still to be compiled into a national publication, Dr Richard George reports on the Western Australian results, and discusses options for management and further investigation.

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 …

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 …

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, …

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.

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 …

Community Support For Natural Resource Management. Future Frameworks: Future Needs, Fionnuala Frost, Wendy Dymond, Soil And Land Conservation Council Of Western Australia

Natural resources published reports

A report prepared for the Soil and Land Conservation Council of Western Australia.

Emerging from the Decade of Landcare is growing recognition that regional and local community involvement is integral to the success of any natural resource management (NRM) outcome. It is integral for a number of reasons:

1. Community support provides the capacity to develop plans and strategies at local, regional scale which are owned by the community who review (technical recommendations, advice and information and adapt them to suit local need;

2. Community knowledge provides an important balance to research knowledge and State and regional level strategies and …

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 …

Degradation In The Brockman River And Ellen Brook Catchments, Western Australia, Brian Lloyd

Natural resources published reports

An eight day survey of degradation in the Ellen Brook and Brockman River catchments revealed several areas of concern. Key concerns are:

Erosion and sedimentation

Various forms of erosion were observed during the survey that would cumulatively have an effect on the quality of both the Ellen Brook and the Brockman Rivers, and ultimately the Swan River. Erosion resulted from many situations including landholder management, subdivision design and infrastructure maintenance. Raising awareness as to consequences of erosion and sedimentation, along with remedial techniques and best management practices is recommended for the various levels of stakeholders.

Eutrophication

Eutrophication has been established …

A Conceptual Hydrogeological Model For The Lake Warden Recovery Catchments Esperance, Western Australia, R Short

Resource management technical reports

The National Land and Water Resource Audit (NLWRA), has identified Dryland Salinity as one of seven major themes for an audit of the nation’s land, water, vegetation and natural resource management. Within this theme, Project 3 has been developed to investigate a key catchment type and how management scenarios will impact on dryland salinity processes. The Lake Warden catchments have been chosen as one of four catchment water balance studies to be undertaken nationally. The catchment water balance analysis will be undertaken using numerical modelling by the CSIRO, Division of Land and Water.

The Rural Towns Program : Groundwater Modelling : The Merredin Catchment, J Matta

Resource management technical reports

Agriculture Western Australia (Agwest), as part of the Rural Towns Program, was engaged to test the application of a groundwater model for potential future management options against salinity for the Merredin townsite. This report illustrates some of the options that could be implemented to achieve the objective of salinity management.

Dalyup Catchment 2000, Esperance Catchment Support Team

Natural resources published reports

This 'State of the Dalyup Catchment' document is a snapshot of the condition of the Catchment in the year 2000. It records the current level of knowledge of the natural resources in the Catchment and discusses some of the management issues and options. This document is a benchmark and through ongoing monitoring, trends in the condition of the Catchment can be identified.

Its primary purpose is as a tool for resource planning such as a surface water management plan, river action plan or revegetation plan. It can also be used in the preparation of funding applications.

Bulletin 4446 - Ord Land And Water Management Plan 2000, Agriculture Western Australia, Community Of Kununurra

Bulletins 4000 -

The wise use of the land and water of the Ord has become an imperative driven by increasing awareness of the impacts of current uses on ground water and the on the quality of the Ord River itself.

We have been lucky as a community that these resources are still in reasonable order and that we have the time to address the resource management challenges associated with our use of them. There is a wide range of land and water management issues to be addressed and all those involved have responsibilities to address some of those issues.

Bulletin 4396 - Byenup Hill Focus Catchment Benefit: Cost Analysis, Allan Herbert

Bulletins 4000 -

The main text of this document concentrates on the costs of the proposed strategies, and the on-farm financial benefits from forecast production changes - in particular the production differences between the 'do nothing' and 'with strategy' scenarios.

Members of the catchment group indicated however that their main focus was on preserving their capital base. Hence some discussion of the values of land lost to salt and premiums/discounts for 'landcared' vs 'unlandcared' land appears later in the report. Economics literature suggests that including changes in land values into these analyses is incorrect. It is argued that production differences are actually captured …

Maritime Pine For Western Australia - Revegetation On Farms Information Kit, David Bicknell, Department Of Conservation And Land Management

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.

TreeNote No 20 - Weed control in eucalypts and pines

TreeNote No 21 - Insect pests of eucalypts and pines

In search of the perfect pine - David Gough (Article)

Farming carbon - Syd Shea (Article)