Innovation Projects

A rapid genetic approach for assessing sediment biodiversity and functioning

The goal of this project is to develop a generic technique to concurrently assess the structural and functional status of ecosystems using genetic measures of the organisms within them. The proof of concept approach entails the development of a DNA microarray chip (ecosystem array) that encapsulates the genetic information for a broad range of biota (invertebrates, algae and microorganisms) and functional genes diagnostic for major estuarine biogeochemical processes. (more)...

A spatial dynamic framework to integrate regional water use efficiency and energy consumption nexus

The modern agricultural practices have led to a dramatic increase in the input of fossil energy, raising concerns over sustainable use of energy resources. Much research into increasing water use efficiency (WUE) and conjunctive management of surface and groundwater focuses on the conversion of gravity-fed irrigation systems to pressurised systems and net recharge management. Irrigation is a primary consumer of energy on farms, and these management options may alter energy (more)...

A standardised metric to value environmental services

A virtual farming experience

Lawry Pitman is a farmer from Corrigin in Western Australia. Lawry served his community for many years at the national, state and local levels on community, industry and government committees covering topics as diverse as land management, farm safety and commodity groups.

A walk down the Hopkins

In the spring of 2000 Bob McKenzie walked the length of Victoria’s longest river - the Hopkins. The 300 km stretch, from Skeleton Hills near Ararat to Warrnambool, took five weeks and began just after Bob’s 74th birthday.

The trek began in remnant native scrub and progressed through towns and farms, past billabongs, waterfalls, cliff-tops and thick scrub, to eroded banks, open pastures and finally Logan’s Beach.

Accounting for soil carbon fluxes in savanna land management

Advanced airborne technologies for mapping and monitoring native Australian vegetation

Airborne sensors can be used by natural resource managers and researchers to collect visible (vegetation cover) and invisible (such as canopy condition or water use) data.

Agriculture land retirement as an environmental policy

Agri-environmental programs are expensive and there is pressure to achieve efficiency in the public spending used to retire land from agricultural production. The risk of regulators not knowing the cost of compliance to land holders (and hence the compensation), or whether compliance occurs, means schemes may be too expensive and ineffectual.

Applying justice frameworks to environmental decision - making

Decisions concerning the use of natural resources have the potential to damage a community’s social organisation if the outcomes are perceived to be unfair.