National

Enabling NRM Decision-Makers to Make Better Use of Climate Science

This project assisted the researchers and their selected clients in understanding how various decisions are made, using a framework based on Real Options – providing for these participants insights into how more strategic decisions might be made and the processes involved in these decisions. Next Steps: Project resulted in better understanding of decision making process, but little potential for adoption or ongoing work in this area. Decision making processes will evolve (more)...

Improving Prediction of the Northern Australian Wet Season

Analysis of Northern Australian Wet Season onset, decline and duration has been completed. The team has published multiple papers and the work has generated much interest. A website has been developed (part of APSRU) for users to explore wet season characteristics. Understanding of MJO and the interface between statistical and GCM systems has improved significantly. The project has set the context for further research, and (more)...

Managing Natural Resource Issues in a Trending but Variable Climate

Project did not delivered on all Objectives, which in hindsight were too ambitious. Following rejection of the original final report and acknowledgement that key NRMs issue were not addressed, researchers modified the report to include recommendations for further R&D in the area.

Next Steps: nil at this stage recognising the limited resources available to MCV2 and the priorities of regional projects on Seasonal Forecasting.

Increasing Success of Tree Establishment by Using Seasonal Climate Forecasts

Project well executed and all objectives met. However, only limited applicability of improved seasonal forecasting techniques to the industry due to the long lead time required for forecasts to be of use.

Next Steps: nil unless FFPRDC wishes to invest in the long-term implications of climate change on plantation viability.

Building Effective Climate Risk Management in the WA Grainbelt

Project workshops and extension work provided a good precursor for many producers attending the Masters of Climate workshops. Strong involvement of agribusiness in delivering project to farmers gave a well-integrated perspective of the role of climate risk management in farm enterprises. Next Steps: Project was aimed at fostering increased State agency investment in CRM and extension. So far there has not yet been a shift in resourcing in (more)...

Australia’s Regional Climate Drivers

Final report included maps of driver influence, case studies of synoptic decomposition (SE and SW Australia) and explanation of climate anomalies (2006), and an excellent assessment of future research directions. Next Steps: Principle Investigator’s project summary to be used to guide investment by MCV 2 in furthering regionally specific seasonal forecasting – particularly for current seasonal (more)...

Integrating NRM Implications into a Production-Based Seasonal Climate Risk Management System

Project objectives were to integrate prediction of NRM implications of crop management decisions into the Yield Prophet system. The project incorporated NRM elements around the themes of water impacts and stubble management into Yield Prophet allowing more integrated farm reporting. Next Steps: Principle Investigator presented at July PMC meeting on future directions for decision support tools (more)...

Yield Prophet – Expanding Capabilities for Farmers’ Risk Management

Project has delivered the increased functionality to Yield Prophet including links to POAMA, growth phases and additional cereals covered. A meeting was convened with the project team in early 08 to discuss further enhancements and opportunities for further R&D. Next Steps: team needs to demonstrate likely RoI of further R&D investment in the agreed areas of enhancement. The first stage in the team’s proposed investment is partially (more)...

Scoping Northern Australian Seasonal Climate Knowledge R&D Initiative

The project team is developing a strategic framework for science investment in northern Australia in seasonal forecasting and applications. Outputs include a report summarising existing knowledge and knowledge gaps, and a draft science plan to focus our investment and hopefully attract co-investors.

Final report included a review of existing knowledge and opportunities, user needs, return on investment analysis and detail of proposed projects.

Improved Seasonal Climate Forecast Information on the Internet

The project objective is delivery of a ‘one-stop shop’ component website within BoM of seasonal forecasting information. The team has developed an interactive map of climate drivers, available on the WATL website, which has been well-received. Other key products developed include rainfall ranges plots and an ENSO wrap up – both available on WATL. Project proved very productive, with significant steps forward (more)...