Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Broome Sandstone Aquifer, La Grange Groundwater Area: A Preliminary Report On The Hydrochemistry And Groundwater Recharge Rates, With Recommendations For Future Drilling And Environmental Tracer Sampling, Glenn A. Harrington

Natural resources commissioned reports

Innovative Groundwater Solutions has been engaged by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) to assist with the initial planning and design of the drilling and groundwater sampling program for the Broome Sandstone aquifer in the La Grange groundwater area.

There are multiple objectives of the drilling program, including defining aquifer stratigraphy and position of the salt-water interface; assessing groundwater recharge, residence time, lateral flow velocity and the source of water to culturally significant sites; enabling long-term monitoring of water level and water quality; and, ultimately, developing a groundwater model for the aquifer.

The following four tasks were …

Carbon Farming In Relation To Western Australian Agriculture, Robert Sudmeyer, Jackson Parker, Tanmoy Nath, Ananda Ghose

Bulletins 4000 -

Carbon farming activities need to return multiple economic and environmental co-benefits to be attractive to land managers. This bulletin summarises concepts underlying carbon farming, how Australia accounts for greenhouse gas emissions and the potential for Western Australian land managers to participate in, and benefit from, carbon farming.

Key Findings Of The 2013 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Resource Stock Assessment, Department Of Fisheries Western Australia

Fisheries management papers

Now, six years since the first stock assessment, and with the completion of a comprehensive boat-based survey of recreational fishing, ongoing annual monitoring of commercial and charter catches and a third stock assessment completed in 2013, the effectiveness of current management measures is able to be assessed.

This paper also provides an overview of the determination in regard to the sectoral allocations of the demersal scalefish resource in the WCB.

Pasture Condition Guide For The Kimberley, Kathryn Ryan, Elizabeth Tierney, Paul Novelly, Robert Mccartney

Bulletins 4000 -

This interactive guide has been produced as a tool for assessing pasture condition over a range of pasture types in the Kimberley. A pasture type is a distinctive mix of plant species, soil type and landscape position. For example, the Mitchell Grass Alluvial Plain Pasture type is a mixture of Mitchell grasses and other species occurring on black soil alluvial plains. Pasture condition is an important factor affecting the potential of the rangelands for animal production and is a useful indicator for the sustainability of production.

Report Card On Sustainable Natural Resource Use In Agriculture : Status And Trend In The Agricultural Areas Of The South-West Of Western Australia, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

Books & book chapters

This report card summarises our current knowledge of the status and trend in the natural resource base in the agricultural areas of the south-west of Western Australia (WA) and provides a discussion of the implications for agricultural industries.

The condition of our natural resources is a complex interaction of numerous processes. In simple terms however, the performance of the land is driven by three primary factors: climate, land characteristics and land management. The first two factors are largely out of the control of land managers, and in a drying and variable climate, land management practices need to be able to …

Report Card On Sustainable Natural Resource Use In Agriculture, Robert Summers, David Weaver

All other publications

Condition and trend Nutrients, such as phosphorus (P), are essential for profitable agriculture in the south-west of WA; however, excess P – more than is required for optimal production – is stored in many agricultural soils. On average, pasture soils and arable soils contain 1.3 times and 1.6 times respectively, as much P as is required for optimal production. Production in P-enriched soils is more likely to be constrained by soil acidity (50–60% of pasture and arable soils), potassium (K) (50% of pasture soils and less than 10% of arable soils), and sulphur (S) (30% of pasture soils). Management implications …

Establishment Guide For Sub-Tropical Grasses : Key Steps To Success, Geoff Allan Moore, Ron Yates, Phil Barrett-Lennard, Phil Nichols, Brad Wintle, John Titterington, Chris Loo

Bulletins 4000 -

Sub-tropical perennial grasses are now widely sown in the Northern Agricultural region (NAR) and on the south coast of Western Australia (WA). Since 2000, more than 50 000 ha have been sown to perennial grasses in the NAR and about 150 000 ha on the south coast, mainly kikuyu.

Audit Of Wa Agricultural Lime Quality 2013, Chris Gazey

Bulletins 4000 -

Applying agricultural lime is the most economical way of ameliorating low soil pH in broadscale agriculture in Western Australia (WA). In WA, agricultural lime is usually limesand from coastal sand dunes, crushed limestone from coastal deposits or crushed dolomitic lime (usually marketed as dolomite) from old lake and inland drainage systems. Other sources are Cretaceous chalk and lake bed marls.

WA agriculture is well serviced by lime suppliers, although the quality of lime varies markedly around the State, and cost does not always reflect quality as measured by neutralising value and fineness. Neutralising value and particle size distribution (fineness) are …

James’S Rule And Causes And Consequences Of A Latitudinal Cline In The Demography Of John’S Snapper (Lutjanus Johnii) In Coastal Waters Of Australia, Mike Cappo, Ross J. Marriott, Stephen J. Newman

Fisheries Research Articles

Demographic parameters were derived from sectioned otoliths of John’s Snapper (Lutjanus johnii) from 4 regions across 9° of latitude and 23° of longitude in northern Australia. Latitudinal variation in size and growth rates of this species greatly exceeded longitudinal variation. Populations of John’s Snapper farthest from the equator had the largest body sizes, in line with James’s rule, and the fastest growth rates, contrary to the temperature size rule for ectotherms. A maximum age of 28.6 years, nearly 3 times previous estimates, was recorded and the largest individual was 990 mm in fork length. Females grew to a larger mean …

West Coast Demersal Scalefish Allocation Report., Integrated Fisheries Allocation Advisory Committee.

Fisheries management papers

Integrated Fisheries Management (IFM) is an initiative aimed at addressing the issue of how fish resources in WesternAustralia can be best shared between competing users within the broad context of “Ecologically Sustainable Development”, or ESD, so that they can be managed on a sustainable basis.

The Minister for Fisheries established the Integrated Fisheries Management Allocation Advisory Committee (the Allocation Committee), under Section 42 of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 (FRMA), in 2004 to investigate IFM resource allocation issues and make recommendations to him on optimal resource use.

Policy On Restocking And Stock Enhancement In Western Australia, Department Of Fisheries Western Australia.

Fisheries management papers

The practice of releasing hatchery-reared fish into existing populations to augment fishing (stock enhancement) or restore depleted spawning biomass (restocking) has occurred around the world for decades with varying degrees of success. The underpinning concept is to produce and release fish into wild populations to increase their abundance, catch rates and/or fishery yields

If restocking and stock enhancement activities are to be successful, they should have clear objectives and be well planned and targeted at situations where there is a reasonable expectation of having a beneficial effect.

Soil Peels: Their Preparation And Presentation, Tim D. Overheu

All other publications

Soil peels are an exciting and inexpensive technique for collecting an exact reproduction of soil profiles. They are an excellent product for displays and soil extension activities. Introduced in the mid-1960s, the soil peel (lackfilm) technique was initially developed using a flexible glue product in combination with a cloth base, and was used to preserve soil stratigraphy at geo-archaeological excavations (Voight & Gittins 1977). The method described in this update introduces refinements to the technique for heavy and consolidated clay or duplex soils in Western Australia. Applying and removingtechnique was initially developed using a flexible glue product in combination with …

Guidance Statement On Undertaking Seismic Surveys In Western Australian Waters, Department Of Fisheries

Fisheries occasional publications

No abstract provided.

Report To The Commissioner Of Soil And Land Conservation On The Condition Of The Western Australian Pastoral Resource Base 2013, Paul Novelly, Philip Thomas

Natural resources published reports

This report updates changes in the Western Australian pastoral rangelands at the Land Conservation District (LCD) scale, providing information on seasonal quality, stock numbers and changes in the density/frequency of perennial shrubs and grasses. It is based on data from the Bureau of Meteorology, the Annual return of livestock and improvements (submitted annually by pastoral lessees) and the Western Australian Rangeland Monitoring System (WARMS). The sixth assessment of the Kimberley grassland sites (Epoch 6) was completed in 2011. The second full cycle (i.e. 3 assessments) was completed for shrubland sites in 2010. This report includes the most recently collected data …

Fresh Thinking 2013-2050, Victor Fazakerley, David Windsor

All other publications

The purpose of this report is to: • provide information on current production of a key group of fruit and vegetables grown in Western Australia and the amounts consumed, some of which are imported; • estimate how much of these fresh fruit and vegetables will be required to meet WA’s demand in 2025 and 2050; • estimate the water and land resource required to grow these fruit and vegetables under current production systems and project the demand for these resources to 2025 and 2050; and • consider the competitiveness of various fruit and vegetable industries and their capacity to meet …

Soil Groups Of Western Australia: A Simple Guide To The Main Soils Of Western Australia (4th Edn), Noel R. Schoknecht, Shahab Pathan

Resource management technical reports

This publication provides a simple, standardised and easy-to-understand way to recognise the most common soils in Western Australia.

It is designed to:

1) Provide a standard way of giving common names to the main soils of the State;

2) Provide a simple method to identify them;

3) Assist with the communication of soils information at a general level.

A Review Of The Broome Sandstone Aquifer In The La Grange Area, Robert J. Paul, Richard J. George Dr, Peter Gardiner

Resource management technical reports

Land use in the West Kimberley near Broome, Western Australia, is dominated by cattle grazing on pastoral stations, dispersed mining activity and tourism. Irrigated agriculture has developed but is at a small scale. There is interest from pastoralists and horticultural companies to expand irrigated agriculture, and pastoral diversification and mosaic irrigation systems have been proposed. However, if irrigated agriculture is to expand, it must be viable and meet community and regulatory requirements. Developing secure and sustainable water resources is critical

This review is focussed on the La Grange groundwater subareas (La Grange area). Its purpose is to summarise the existing …

Benefits And Costs Of Saltland Pastures On Moderately Salt-Affected Land, Justin Hardy, Arjen Ryder

Resource management technical reports

Summary The analyses in this report show that there could be significant economic benefits to the state, regions and affected farm businesses from establishing improved saltland pasture systems on moderately salt-affected land. The report clearly describes the methods of analysis and the assumptions about prices, productivity and adoption levels. The price of grain has been used as the key factor controlling the economic value of the saltland grazing because grain is the alternative supplementary feed for sheep over the summer and autumn period. Therefore, where yield is below break-even on moderately salt-affected land, it has a higher economic value and …

The Houtman Abrolhos Islands Management Plan., Department Of Fisheries Western Australia.

Fisheries management papers

The Houtman Abrolhos Islands Management Plan aims to describe how this vision and associated strategic objectives can be achieved over the next five years, through addressing the risks posed to the cultural and environmental heritage values of the Abrolhos.

A Review Of The Management Arrangements And Licensing Framework For The Aquatic Tour Industry In Western Australia. Discussion Paper On Management And Licensing Options For The Aquatic Tour Industry., Department Of Fisheries Western Australia

Fisheries management papers

The Department of Fisheries (Department) is proposing a new simplified management approach which focuses on fishing as the core criteria in the new licensing framework. Given the low level of impact of aquatic eco-tours and shore-based fishing, consideration is being given to removing the need for these activities to be formally licensed. The Department is of the view that these activities can be adequately managed by regulations that have broader application across the community.

The current management, licensing and fee structures are complex and provide limited business flexibility. A simplified management approach will also improve the Department’s capacity to monitor …

West Coast Deep Sea Crustacean Managed Fishery Draft Management Plan 2012, Department Of Fisheries Western Australia.

Fisheries management papers

The West Coast Deep Sea Crustacean (Interim) Management Plan 2007 took effect on 1 January 2008 and expires on 31 December 2012. The Interim Plan provides the management framework for the West Coast Deep Sea Crustacean (Interim) Managed Fishery (WCDSCIMF).

Report To The Pastoral Lands Board On The Condition Of The Western Australian Pastoral Resource Base 2012, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia, Commissioner Of Soil And Land Conservation

Natural resources published reports

This report documents changes in the Western Australian pastoral rangelands at Land Conservation District (LCD) scales, providing updated information on seasonal quality, stock numbers and changes in the density/frequency of perennial shrubs and grasses. It is based on data from the Bureau of Meteorology, the Annual Return of Livestock and Improvements (submitted annually by pastoral lessees) and the Western Australian Rangeland Monitoring System (WARMS). The sixth assessment of the Kimberley (grassland) sites (Epoch 6) was completed in 2011 . The second full cycle (i.e. three assessments) was completed for shrubland sites in 2010. This report discusses changes recorded over 201 …

Pastoral Lease Assessment Using Geospatial Analysis, T P. Robinson, P E. Novelly, R Corner, Philip Thomas, A Russell-Browm

Resource management technical reports

Seven remote sensing based Vegetation Indices (NDSVI, STVI-3, NDVI, Green + Red, Red, Land Monitor and STVI-1) were tested for their potential to discriminate between “poor” and “good” range condition assessments in Western Australia’s pastoral rangelands. Indices were computed using the Australian Greenhouse Office National Carbon Accounting System (AGO NCAS) repository of calibrated Landsat TM/ETM+ mosaics. Discrimination potential was assessed at two levels of stratification – station level (identical to the stratification used to collect the traverse data), and functional group level (an aggregation of similar land systems);

Bait Effects In Sampling Coral Reef Fish Assemblages With Stereo-Bruvs, Stacey R. Dorman, Euan S. Harvey, Stephen J. Newman

Fisheries Research Articles

Baited underwater video techniques are increasingly being utilised for assessing and monitoring demersal fishes because they are: 1) non extractive, 2) can be used to sample across multiple habitats and depths, 3) are cost effective, 4) sample a broader range of species than many other techniques, 5) and with greater statistical power. However, an examination of the literature demonstrates that a range of different bait types are being used. The use of different types of bait can create an additional source of variability in sampling programs. Coral reef fish assemblages at the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia, were sampled using …

Draft Management Plan For The West Coast Rock Lobster Managed Fishery., Department Of Fisheries Western Australia

Fisheries management papers

West Coast Rock Lobster Managed Fishery licensees target the western rock lobster, Panulirus Cygnus using baited pots (traps) on the west coast of Western Australia (WA). The fishery, which has long been one of the most valuable single species fisheries in Australia, extends from North West Cape to Cape Leeuwin in the south, with the main fishing occurring between Shark Bay and Perth.

In response to a series of poor puerulus settlements commencing in 2009, a suite of management changes have been introduced to significantly reduce catch levels to appropriately deal with the expected low levels of recruitment entering the …

Policy On Habitat Enhancement Structures In Western Australia, Department Of Fisheries Western Australia.

Fisheries management papers

Habitat enhancement structures range widely in design. They generally aim to enhance fish habitat by providing a structure for fish and other aquatic life to colonise and potentially lead to an increase in their biological production.

The primary function of an artificial reef is to provide additional structure and habitat to support an increased production of fish ad other aquatic organisms.

Observations Of Localised Effects Of The Busselton Compensating Basins On Surface Water, Groundwater And Soil Salinity, D L. Bennett, Richard J. George Dr

Resource management technical reports

Between 2001 and 2009 the Water Corporation constructed three flood-compensating basins on farmland in the Vasse and Sabina river catchments, upstream of in the city of Busselton. The basins are designed to reduce the risk of flooding in urban areas of Busselton by temporarily storing and then regulating runoff during flood events. This report fulfils the reporting requirements of a contract between the Water Corporation and the Department of Agriculture and Food. Data relating to the local groundwater and surface-water dynamics, salinity, nutrients and pH, plus changes to shallow and deep-soil salinity (from repeat ground-based electromagnetic induction [EM] surveying), was …

A Report On The Gascoyne River Catchment Following The 2010/11 Flood Events, P A. Waddell, P W.E Thomas, Paul A. Findlater

Resource management technical reports

In December 2010 an extreme tropical storm resulted in widespread flooding at Carnarvon and across the catchment. Another two flood events followed during the summer of 2010–11

The rationale for this assessment is to provide illustrative evidence on the role that perennial vegetation groundcover management has in influencing the risk of flooding and soil loss in the catchment. It may be possible that the impact of flooding associated with extreme storm events can be reduced. This report focuses on catchment condition and is not a review of the pastoral industry’s economic viability.

Changes In Run-Off And Groundwater Under Saltbush Grazing Systems: Preliminary Results Of A Paired Catchment Study, D L. Bennett, Richard J. George Dr, Richard Silberstein

Resource management technical reports

No abstract provided.

Research, Monitoring, Assessment And Development Plan 2011 – 2012, Department Of Fisheries

Fisheries occasional publications

No abstract provided.