Building knowledge for healthy northern Australian catchments and coasts

Currently, a full scientific understanding of how various industries affect northern environments is lacking. This means that present day decision makers cannot predict the environmental and associated outcomes of developments with a high degree of certainty, nor accurately plan for mitigation.

This project addresses this knowledge shortfall by evaluating and analysing the environmental data and other information pertaining to three northern Australian catchments.

Approach

The project will examine cause-effect links and critical scientific information gaps relevant to: the Flinders and Gilbert catchment in Queensland; the Daly catchment in the Northern Territory; and the Keep catchment, in both the Northen Territory and Western Australia.

Components of the study will include:

• analyses of the impacts of catchment runoff on marine health and productivity;
• investigation of hydrographs and satellite imagery to calculate flows, sediment plumes, etc.;
• change analysis modelling of mangrove distribution;
• effects of catchment nutrient inputs on estuarine and coastal productivity; and
• isotopic measurement of groundwater contributions to estuarine flow.

Collaborative workshops will be undertaken with Traditional Owner groups, land managers and other stakeholders, for shared learning and knowledge exchange.

Expected outcomes

• Better catchment data for planners and managers.
• Prosperous communities within sustainably managed lands and seascapes.
• Future economic enterprises with minimal impacts on terrestrial runoff and receiving marine waters.

Project location