Integration
A key challenge for our Centre is to integrate the various multi-disciplinary threads of our research programs, and to realise the holistic view of catchments desired by users.
To show that we are achieving this, our research activities are targeted
on five focus catchments, selected to:
- cover a spectrum of spatial scales and catchment characteristics
- span the range of issue-based problems confronting catchment managers
- build upon existing catchment management initiatives at those sites
- link to research networks outside the bounds of the Centre
- satisfy the specific interests of each of the participating industry Parties.
Each focus site is managed by a Focus Catchment
Coordinator, selected from the industry Parties,
to:
- work with the Communication and Adoption Program and regional groups to ensure two-way information flow
- assist in the definition of research problems and desired research outcomes
- facilitate access to data and field sites managed by the industry Parties
- work with the Program Leaders to ensure integration of our research themes.
The five focus catchments are:
The impact of urban stormwater quality on the river and Moreton Bay is a key concern. It is uncertain whether the primary source of pollutants is the urban or the outer-urban areas.
The impact of urban stormwater quality on the river and Port Phillip Bay is a key concern. Rehabilitation of tributary streams to encourage aquatic life is a priority. Management of upstream storages to optimise water-supply reliability is a major challenge.
This catchment has undergone rapid clearing; high sediment and nutrient loads are a major concern, both in the river and coastal waters. Water allocation for development and for maintaining river health are important catchment issues. A major new dam is proposed for the catchment, raising concern about potential impacts on flow regimes and river health.
This is the ‘food-bowl’ of Victoria, responsible for about $1.5 billion
worth of food production each year. Salinity and
nutrient management are key issues here, as are
afforestation and water allocation under the tradable
water-rights system. System yield is affected by
land use, losses from channels, and operation for
irrigation supply.
Dryland salinity in the middle reaches is a major issue, with no sure means of forecasting/managing its impact. Afforestation of large areas of the upper and middle catchment is underway, with unknown consequences for salinity and water security.
Each of the six research
programs targets effort on at least two of
the five focus catchments, with Program
1 (Predicting Catchment Behaviour) being highly
relevant to all five sites. This emphasises the
commitment to integrated research across a spectrum
of land uses and site conditions.
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