Monday 19 May 2008
New datasets now available for weeds and invasive animals. Go to the data library at http://adl.brs.gov.au and search on invasive species.
Friday 16 May 2008
Estuarine and marine reports now available.
National marine environmental condition assessment framework (pdf - 1131KB) Review and current synthesis of habitat monitoring (pdf - 894KB) Reporting on the environmental condition of Victorian estuaries (pdf - 963KB) Development of estuarine report cards (WA) (pdf - 3833KB)
Friday 9 May 2008 - Soil condition monitoring trial: summary report - now available
In 2006 the Audit commissioned trials of the four soil condition indicators: soil acidification; soil carbon; soil erosion by water; and soil erosion by wind. The aim of the trials was to investigate: the usefulness, applicability and practicality of the indicators; the type of contextual information that would be needed to support their use; the scalability of the indicators; information products that could be derived from their use; and data management and transfer protocols.
It was found that soil condition monitoring at the level of an NRM region was feasible provided particular issues, outlined in this report, could be managed.
Soil condition monitoring trial: summary report (pdf - 1762KB)
Friday 2 May 2008 - A framework for assessing the health of coastal waters: Queensland trail - now available
A framework for assessing the health of coastal waters: Qld trial (pdf - 759KB)This report looks at the appropriateness of the 19 'nationally agreed' resource condition indicators for estuarine, coastal and marine habitat integrity in Queensland.
Wednesday 12 March 2008 - Reporting on land Salinity indicators in Tasmania
In early 2006 the National Land & Water Resources Audit commissioned a project in each state to trial the applicability of the recommended indicators and protocols for the evaluation of land Salinity under the National Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. This recently released document reports on trials in Tasmania and makes recommendations relating to determining the role of numerical modelling, the setting up of a standardised database, the further development of the indicator protocols and the development of a series of user manuals. Assessment of the national land Salinity indicators in Tasmania (2007) (pdf - 7284KB)
Tuesday 26 February 2008 - A national baseline of the social and institutional foundations of NRM programs
A new report by Mark Fenton and Arwen Rickert (2008), which looks at the key factors underpinning the delivery of regional natural resource management programs, is now available. This report looks at the capacity of regional NRM bodies, as well as engagement, partnerships and recognition of the social foundations of natural resource management.
The report aims to contribute to discussions within the NRM community by providing a greater understanding of the most important factors that contribute to success.
A national baseline of the social and institutional foundations of NRM programs (pdf - 3988KB)
Friday 22 February 2008 - Triple bottom line indicators
The report on the triple bottom line (TBL) indicators for a Victorian catchment project is now available. This project reports on the application of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) Framework and looks at the applicability of this approach to other monitoring, evaluation and reporting processes.
Triple bottom line indicators for a Victorian catchment management authority (pdf - 2059KB)
NB: Triple bottom line - refers to the pursuit of sustainability through the simultaneous consideration of three key areas: economic development (prosperity), environmental values (quality) and social responsibility (equity).
Friday 21 December 2007
The National Estuarine Environmental Condition Assessment Framework Report (2007) is now available. The Framework provides direction for reporting on the broad ecological integrity of estuaries at a national level. National Estuarine Environmental Condition Assessment Framework Report (2007) (pdf - 1644KB)
The revised version of the Review of alien fish monitoring (2007) is now available. In Australia the number and abundance of pest fish species in rivers and wetlands has risen significantly in recent years. This report outlines the current information regarding alien fish in Australia and presents key issues and recommendations Review of alien fish monitoring (2007) - revised (pdf - 958KB)
Friday 9 November 2007
Now available a new report and literature review from the socio-economic theme area. URS 15 The relationship between community vitality, viability and health, and natural resources and their management - final report (pdf - 292KB) URS 15 The relationship between community vitality, viability and health, and natural resources and their management -literature review (pdf - 742KB)
The final report:
1. produces an evidence based conceptual framework that clarifies concepts and terminology on the relationship between community vitality, viability and health, and NRM outcomes, in consultation with key stakeholders
2. proposes initial indicators of vitality, viability and health relevant to NRM, and identifies appropriate measures and information sources, highlighting major data gaps
3. develops a prospectus for future co-investment in trials of the indicators, data collection and reporting on vitality, viability and health.
Now available - new report
Adaptive capacity of land managers using ABS data (2007) (pdf - 596KB)
This report underpins discussions of the feasibility of using major national data collections to provide ongoing assessments of the adaptive capacity of land managers - a cornerstone of natural resource management (NRM) and structural adjustment policy in Australia.
Employment Vacancy - Biodiversity Assessment GIS Project Officer
Salary range: $59 316 - $67 110 (equivalent to APS level 6)
Non-ongoing: October 2007 - March 2008
THIS VACANCY HAS NOW CLOSED
The National Land & Water Resources Audit is looking for a person with skills in GIS and spatial data analysis, to analyse and map the extent and condition of Australia's biodiversity. The production of a range of products (maps, graphs and tables) is required for the 2008 biodiversity assessment, using ESRI ArcGIS software. The project officer would be working with GIS specialists within the Department of the Environment and Water Resources and the Biodiversity Assessment Coordinator. This position will be located at the Department of the Environment and Water Resources.
Position description and selection documentation.
Enquiries: Valerie Wayte 02 6263 6036 or valerie.wayte@nlwra.gov.au
Tender to generate plain English interpretive reports for the Signposts for Australian Agriculture - Stage 4b Industry Reports.
THIS TENDER HAS NOW CLOSED
The successful submission will demonstrate an understanding of the project brief and deliverables required, propose methods assessed as likely to achieve the project objectives in full and manage associated risks, demonstrate experience and capacity in the proposed team to achieve deliverables within the defined timeframe, demonstrate networks and experience in collaborating with government, RDCs, industry and national data providers on multidisciplinary projects, possess the relevant multidisciplinary technical expertise, and display value for money.
Terms of reference and further information.
For further enquiries contact Toni Latta on 02 6263 6046 or toni.latta@nlwra.gov.au.
A new vision for improving natural resource management decision making
May 2007
In a recently released statement the National Land & Water Resources Audit and ANZLlC - the Spatial Information Council outline a vision, guiding principles and a way forward to improve the way important natural resource information is gathered and shared.
Information for Sustainability (pdf - 192KB)
Salinity indicator trials - summary report now available
May 2007
This report details findings of state Salinity indicator trials funded by the Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS) and the National Land & Water Resources Audit (the Audit) as part of the Australian Salinity Information Project (ASIP). The trials were conducted by six Australian states (Qld, NSW, Vic, Tas, SA and WA) and addressed the indicators defined by the national NRM monitoring and evaluation framework's land Salinity 'matter for target'.
The six indicator trial reports were presented to the national coordination committee (NCC) for Salinity at a workshop on the 26th October, 2006 and this report provides a summary of the results.
Salinity Indicator Trials Summary Report Final (2007) (pdf - 1419KB)