tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144289202683170692024-03-13T17:18:43.743+11:00RIVERS RESEARCHThis blog is an ever-growing resource site for documents and information relating to Australian rivers. Appropriate contributions to the site can be forwarded to misseaglesnetwork(at)gmail(dot)com
It has begun because of new and controversial plans for the Murray-Darling Bain.Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-27627411047053698962012-06-22T11:48:00.000+10:002012-06-22T11:48:19.017+10:00NSW Irrigators Council document on Basin Plan Impact in the Murray Darling Basin in New South Wales<div align="center">
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="600" src="https://www.box.com/embed/o4vg6jyfbf4ljem.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="525" wmode="opaque"></embed></div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-24468693332644986002012-01-29T07:07:00.001+11:002012-01-29T07:08:30.372+11:00Groundwater issues - sustainability, salinity, water sufficiency<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2001/publications/theme-reports/water/images/iwfg003.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2001/publications/theme-reports/water/images/iwfg003.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2001/publications/theme-reports/water/summary.html">Picture from here</a></i></div>
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<i>From water campaigner, Maria Reidl:</i><br />
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<a href="http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/rn/podcast/2012/01/bst_20120123_0805.mp3">Maria has sent a link to podcast of a Fran Kelly interview</a> with <a href="http://www.groundwater.com.au/person.php?pid=1">Professor Craig Simmons</a> of the <a href="http://www.groundwater.com.au/">National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training</a> and <a href="http://www.law.arizona.edu/faculty/getprofile.cfm?facultyid=36">Professor Robert F.Glennon</a> is the Morris K. Udall Professor of Law and Public Policy in the <a href="http://www.law.arizona.edu/">Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona</a>. <br />
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The interview was brought about because of <a href="http://www.groundwater.com.au/attachments/news/Media%20Alert%20-%20World%20Water%20Experts%20to%20meet%20in%20Sydney.pdf">last week's meeting in Sydney</a> where four of the world’s leading authorities on global and regional water issues will gathered to advise on Australia’s groundwater research and training needs.<br />
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A note on groundwater below is <a href="http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2001/publications/theme-reports/water/summary.html">from here</a>.<br />
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<b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Groundwater</b> </blockquote>
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Due to the cap on surface water extractions in the Murray-Darling Basin and the scarcity of surface water resources in other areas, groundwater use across Australia has increased by 90% between 1985 and 1996/97 to approximately 5000 GL/year (NLWRA 2001b). Overall, 33% of groundwater extracted is for urban/industrial use, 48% is used for irrigation and 19% is for stock watering and rural use. South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria use more than 60% of groundwater for irrigation, while Western Australia uses 72% for urban and industrial purposes.<br />
The total volume of groundwater that can be sustainably extracted from groundwater resources is currently estimated to be 25 735 GL/year (< 5000 mg/L TDS); however, many undeveloped groundwater resources are in remote areas. More importantly, most groundwater sustainable yield estimates do not consider groundwater dependent ecosystems or the impact of groundwater extraction on baseflows associated with surface waters. These are major issues that need to be addressed before the intensive development of groundwater resources can be managed sustainably. Some groundwater resources are already overdeveloped including the Great Artesian Basin and many small aquifers in the Murray-Darling Basin and along the east coast of Australia.</blockquote>
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<b><i>Further reading & listening:</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.abc.net.au/rural/content/2012/s3414538.htm">Scientists warn Australia against groundwater complacency</a></span></span></div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-53224896946542702632012-01-25T15:09:00.001+11:002012-01-25T15:09:41.939+11:00Whither Science? Professor Emerita Diane Bell and the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists<i>The article below is from my friend Diane Bell. Diane is:</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMrjskCHM16OrxiILzhNeRnhtMCxkjIZJqf3vEssz1Yp4xiwifYwcYIyKxnTQetVItU15Kz3fqphHMuJsVM_-wdrIkgfTJpHJM5PVyBXBBuNhhYIKNCNHvf-ZmVNlxk8z9hHJXFuSehc/s1600/Prof+Di+Bell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMrjskCHM16OrxiILzhNeRnhtMCxkjIZJqf3vEssz1Yp4xiwifYwcYIyKxnTQetVItU15Kz3fqphHMuJsVM_-wdrIkgfTJpHJM5PVyBXBBuNhhYIKNCNHvf-ZmVNlxk8z9hHJXFuSehc/s1600/Prof+Di+Bell.jpg" /></a><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica;">Professor Emerita of Anthropology</span></div>
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<span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica;">The George Washington University</span></div>
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<span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica;">University of Adelaide SA 5055</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Whither
Science?</span></b></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">‘The draft Plan released for public comment by
the Murray-Darling Basin Authority on the 28 November 2011 does not provide the
most basic information required to allow anybody to make an informed decision
on the future management of the water resources of the Basin.’</span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">So
begins the withering </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.wentworthgroup.org/uploads/Wentworth%20Group%20Statement%20on%20the%202011%20Draft%20Murray-Darling%20Basin%20Plan.pdf"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">critique</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> of the MDBA draft Plan
by the <a href="http://www.wentworthgroup.org/">Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists</a> (WGCS) in what should be
essential reading for anyone concerned with the future of the Murray-Darling
Basin, the communities and economies that rely on a healthy river. But, I would
venture, it is also essential reading for those concerned with the quality of
democracy in Australia. The </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Plan, after all, is to manage the MDB in the
national interest.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">In advocating that this draft Plan be withdrawn,
the WGCS examine five fundamental pi</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">eces of environmental
information necessary for a credible Basin Plan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">1.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The
water regime that the best available science says is required for a healthy
working river; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">2.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The
cost and feasibility of overcoming river management infrastructure constraints
so that environmental flows can be delivered downstream; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">3.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The
impact of increased groundwater extractions on surface water flows (and </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">vice
versa), </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">recognising that many groundwater systems in the
Basin are directly linked to the river systems; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">4.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Accounting
for the risk to river health from climate change when setting long-term
diversion limits; and <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">5.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The
volume and frequency of flows that are required to keep the Murray mouth open
during times of drought and to discharge salt from the Basin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">With
respect to each point, the WGCS finds the draft is fatally flawed. For
instance, while endorsing the MDBA methodology that identifies 122 hydrological
sites across the Basin and the focus on 18 indicator sites for detailed
analysis, the WGCS points out that the draft only addresses 4 of the 18 and
even then the information is incomplete and there is no information as to the
level of extractions required to satisfy the stated objective of the draft
Plan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">With
respect to the assertion</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> that 2,750 GL will deliver an open Murray mouth
nine years in ten, the WGCS notes the draft Plan fails to say how and whether
this will satisfy the objects of the Water Act. And where is the discussion of
how 2,750 GL will achieve the flushing of the 2 million tonnes of salt that
accumulates each year from the MDB out to sea?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The WGCS states that no scientific reasons are
given for doubling groundwater allocations. What sense are we to make of three
year, $ 5 million </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.clw.csiro.au/publications/waterforahealthycountry/mdbsy/pdf/Murray-Report.pdf"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">CSIRO
research project</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> that recommended groundwater extractions be
reduced? And I would add: What of the argument of </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20121501-23004.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Professor
Craig Simmons</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #121212; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">, Director, National Centre for
Groundwater Research and Training, that groundwater will be a major determinant
of Australia’s future as the climate warms and our population swells</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">How could it be that after so many years, reports,
research and reviews, we have come to this pass? Why, rather than defend and
refine the existing peer-reviewed science of the October 2010 </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://download.mdba.gov.au/Guide-to-proposed-BP-vol2-0-12.pdf"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Guide</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
did the MDBA start again with ‘new science’? Why have the repeated calls of
environmental groups, the CSIRO, and the WGCS for independent, transparent and
comprehensive peer reviews of the ‘science’ fallen on deaf ears? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">In part it seems Craig Knowles, the MDBA Chair,
sees the scientific community as offering one view of many in a power play of
diametric opposed opinions. When the WGCS walked away from the process in </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/05/23/3223924.htm"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">May 2011</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">,
Knowles reportedly </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">said: ‘The Wentworth Group clearly have a lot of
skin in this game and they're trying to make their position known and stronger
and I guess that's their right.’ Of their critique of the draft Plan, he noted
their </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.smh.com.au/environment/water-issues/scientists-reject-plan-to-save-murraydarling-20120118-1q6ot.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">views</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
were well known. His refrain: ‘All views will be considered as part of the
consultation period.’</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">But this is not an exercise in relativism. Some
‘views’ carry more weight than others. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">In
developing the Plan, the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2007A00137"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Water Act 2007</span></i></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> sets the bar as ‘the best
available scientific knowledge and socio-economic analysis’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">What then are we to make of the charge from the
WGCS that the draft ‘manipulates science in an attempt to engineer a
pre-determined political outcome'? Can
science be practiced under political conditions that pertain? If not, what is
to be done? To whom is the MDBA accountable? What recourse do we have as
citizens if the Plan is an inadequate basis for informed decision-making?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
$10 billion of taxpayers’ money is in play. Will we insist that the MDBA
deliver a scientifically credible Plan for the nation or are we beguiled by the
tug-of-war metaphor?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Professor Diane Bell has
published ten books </i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1052331249465415794" name="_GoBack"></a>including </i><a href="http://books.google.com.au/books/about/Daughters_of_the_Dreaming.html?id=0MB-m2gjlWwC&redir_esc=y">Daughters of the Dreaming</a> <i>and </i><a href="http://www.culturalsurvival.org/ourpublications/csq/article/ngarrindjeri-wurruwarrin-a-world-that-is-was-and-will-be">NgarrindjeriWurruwarrin </a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>and numerous articles. Her
current anthropological research </i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>is amongst the peoples she calls the ‘Water
Tribe’. </i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><img alt="Front Cover" height="320" src="http://bks9.books.google.com.au/books?id=0MB-m2gjlWwC&printsec=frontcover&img=1&zoom=1&edge=curl" width="207" /><span style="color: blue;"><i> </i></span><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<b><i>PLEASE NOTE: Miss Eagle has a companion blog to The Network titled <a href="http://riversresearch.blogspot.com/">Rivers Research</a>. There is a lot of stuff on Rivers - particularly the Murray-Darling Basin and documents relating to the Proposed Plan for the Murray-Darling Basin - there. </i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Further Reading:</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-25/call-to-reserve-judgment-on-basin-plan/3792554">Call to reserve judgment on Basin plan</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-25/mps-defend-basin-stance/3792254">MPs defend Basin Stance</a><br />
(against complaints from<a href="http://www.d-r-a-g.org.au/"> DRAG - Darling River Action Group</a>)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-24610187700235335692012-01-24T08:40:00.000+11:002012-01-24T08:40:18.322+11:00The Concept of Peak Water - a presentation by Peter Gleick of the Pacific Institute<div align="center">
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="400" src="http://www.box.com/embed/bi9nsg9t4ould97.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="520" wmode="opaque"></embed></div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-60777412792677831582012-01-24T08:29:00.001+11:002012-01-24T08:29:09.190+11:00The Pacific Institute and 25 years of speaking out on water : Peak Water enters the lexicon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For Water activists and those with a strong interest in water issues, the <a href="http://www.pacinst.org/">Pacific Institute</a> under the leadership of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Gleick">Peter Gleick</a> is a go-to must. It is now celebrating 25 years of sterling service. Congratulations to all who have kept PI afloat!</div>
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One recent and valuable contribution - in Miss E's book - mae by PI is the concept of "peak water". The world has become used to discussion about peak oil, but more important that peak oil (after all humanity survived for milennia without oil rigs everywhere) is peak water. Water is important to the planet - it covers so much of it - and vital to the live of most plants; people; and other species.</div>
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<b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #000090; font-family: Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Peak Water Cited in <i>The New York Times</i></b></span></b></div>
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<b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 9pt;">Last January <i>The New York Times</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 9pt;"> chose "peak water"as one of the 33 words to enter mainstream lexicon, linking directly to the Pacific Institute.<em> The </em><em>Times </em>wrote: "<i>Like 'peak oil,' a theory that </i><i><a href="http://www.worldwater.org/data20082009/ch01.pdf" shape="rect" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">humans may have used the water easiest to obtain</a>, and that scarcity may be on the rise."</i></span></span></b></div>
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 9pt;"><b><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #000090; font-size: 10pt;">Peak Water Concept Impacts Water Management and Planning </span></b></span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 13px;">Dr. Peter Gleick and International Water and Communities Initiative Director Meena Palaniappan published "Peak Water: Conceptual and Practical Limits to Freshwater Withdrawal and Use" in the <em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em> in June. A version of their analysis was <a href="http://pacinst.org/press_center/press_releases/concept_of_peak_water_2011.pdf" shape="rect" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">published</a> in <i>On the Water Front,</i> describing peak water in the context of global and local water challenges.</span> </span></div>
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</div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-82332299526278839622012-01-23T17:00:00.000+11:002012-01-23T17:00:10.670+11:00 Getting Aboriginal voices into the Basin Plan ‘A Yarn on the river: Getting Aboriginal voices into the Basin Plan’ is being distributed by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to outline the parts of the draft plan that are most relevant to Aboriginal people. “We need Aboriginal people to have a say about the draft because the decisions that will be set out in the final plan will have an impact on river country,” said Chief Executive Rhondda Dickson. “I encourage Aboriginal people around the Basin to read the Yarn and draft plan, talk it through with us and send us submissions.” The MDBA will be travelling to towns throughout the Basin to talk with Aboriginal people on their country — in halls, homes or by the river. This is part of the broader MDBA 20-week consultation period on the draft Basin Plan. While visiting country, the MDBA wants to help Aboriginal people learn more about the draft Basin Plan, and have their say about what’s in the final Basin Plan. The MDBA also funds the Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN) and Northern Basin Aboriginal Nations (NBAN). Both MLDRIN and NBAN provide an Indigenous perspective into the development of the Basin Plan. In addition, the MDBA funds the National Cultural Flows Planning and Research Committee, which aims to provide more information on cultural flows. The Yarn is available from the MDBA website or hard copies can be ordered via engagement@mdba.gov.au or 1800 230 067. Submissions on the draft plan will close on 16 April 2012. For more information contact the MDBA Media office at media@mdba.gov.au or 02 6279 0141. Follow the MDBA http://twitter.com/MD_Basin_Auth Join the discussion on the MDBA blog:http://freeflow.mdba.gov.au/ MDBA Media Office Murray–Darling Basin AuthorityGPO Box 1801 Canberra ACT 2601MEDIA ENQUIRIES: (02) 6279 0141 e: media@mdba.gov.auw: www.mdba.gov.au blog: freeflow.mdba.gov.au t @MD_Basin_Auth<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Getting Aboriginal voices into the Basin Plan</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘<a href="http://www.mdba.gov.au/services/publications/more-information?publicationid=117">A Yarn on the river: Getting Aboriginal voices into the Basin Plan</a>’ is being distributed by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to outline the parts of the draft plan that are most relevant to Aboriginal people.<u></u><u></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“We need Aboriginal people to have a say about the draft because the decisions that will be set out in the final plan will have an impact on river country,” said Chief Executive Rhondda Dickson.<u></u><u></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“I encourage Aboriginal people around the Basin to read the Yarn and draft plan, talk it through with us and send us submissions.”<u></u><u></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: DINOT, sans-serif;">The MDBA will be travelling to towns throughout the Basin to talk with Aboriginal people on their country — in halls, homes or by the river. This is part of the broader MDBA 20-week consultation period on the draft Basin Plan.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: DINOT, sans-serif;">While visiting country, the MDBA wants to help Aboriginal people learn more about the draft Basin Plan, and have their say about what’s in the final Basin Plan.</span><u></u><u></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The MDBA also funds the <a href="http://www.mldrin.org.au/">Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN)</a> and <a href="http://www.ewater.com.au/h2othinking/?q=2011/07/cultural-value-water">Northern Basin Aboriginal Nations (NBAN)</a>. Both MLDRIN and NBAN provide an Indigenous perspective into the development of the Basin Plan. In addition, the MDBA funds the <a href="http://www.mdba.gov.au/explore-the-basin/communities/indigenous-communities">National Cultural Flows Planning and Research Committee</a>, which aims to provide more information on cultural flows.<u></u><u></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Yarn is available from the MDBA website or hard copies can be ordered via </span><a href="mailto:engagement@mdba.gov.au" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">engagement@mdba.gov.au</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> or 1800 230 067.<u></u><u></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: DINOT, sans-serif;">Submissions on the draft plan will close on 16 April 2012.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1052331249465415794" name="1350805d484e64c3_OLE_LINK1" style="color: #1155cc;"></a><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1052331249465415794" name="1350805d484e64c3_OLE_LINK2" style="color: #1155cc;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">For more information contact the </span></b></a><b>MDBA Media office at </b><a href="mailto:media@mdba.gov.au" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b>media@mdba.gov.au</b></a> or 02 6279 0141.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Follow the MDBA <a href="http://twitter.com/MD_Basin_Auth" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/MD_Basin_<wbr></wbr>Auth</a><br />
Join the discussion on the MDBA blog:<a href="http://freeflow.mdba.gov.au/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://freeflow.mdba.gov.au/</a><u></u><u></u></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Murray–Darling Basin Authority</span></b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br />GPO Box 1801 Canberra ACT 2601<br />MEDIA ENQUIRIES: (02) 6279 0141<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">e: <a href="mailto:media@mdba.gov.au" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">media@mdba.gov.au</a><br />w: <a href="http://www.mdba.gov.au/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">www.mdba.gov.au</span></a><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">blog: <a href="http://freeflow.mdba.gov.au/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">freeflow.mdba.gov.au</span></a></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"> <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #00b0f0; font-size: 10pt;">t</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <i><a href="http://www.twitter.com/MD_Basin_Auth" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">@MD_Basin_Auth</span></a></i></span></div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-40497320148344496192012-01-22T08:48:00.000+11:002012-01-22T08:54:55.120+11:00Australia - the need to take greater care of our groundwater : Water for a healthy countryMaterial for this post has come via Maria Reidl.<br />
Thanks Maria - you are a great water campaigner.
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On the web, see also<br />
<a href="http://www.csiro.au/science/Groundwater-Hydrology">Groundwater hydrology: ensuring sustainable groundwater resources</a><br />
<a href="http://www.groundwater.com.au/research3.php">Surface water - groundwater interactions</a></div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-17258530026456412292011-12-24T11:33:00.000+11:002011-12-24T11:33:02.999+11:00Toorale Station: has the government purchase been a waste to time, effort and money<a href="http://images.smh.com.au/2011/12/23/2857366/th-p7-20station-420x0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Toorale station. Supplied photo. Daniel Lewis story. Aerial of Toorale station when it was flooded by the Warrego River." border="0" src="http://images.smh.com.au/2011/12/23/2857366/th-p7-20station-420x0.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;" /></a><br />
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Station buyout a 'waste of money'</h1>
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David Wroe</h5>
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THE federal and NSW governments are facing claims their $24 million purchase of the historic Toorale Station near Bourke in 2008 to help the Murray-Darling river system was a waste of money that has harmed the local economy while delivering scant environmental benefit.</div>
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Three years after the federal government led the purchase of the 91,000-hectare property to release its irrigated water back to the river system, the dams and irrigation channels are still in place - though their decommissioning was a key part of the environmental plan - the <i>Herald</i> has confirmed.</div>
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An ''infrastructure decommissioning plan'' drawn up by engineering consultants Aurecon in 2009 found there were environmental obstacles to scrapping the dams and channels because a new ecology has grown in the 150 years since the station was established. Also, a complete decommissioning would cost $79 million.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: inherit;">Angry locals have told the </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.2em;">Herald</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: inherit;"> their economy has been battered without much gain.</span></div>
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''It's very hard to see that there's been any environmental benefit whatsoever from the $23.75 million that was spent,'' Geoff Wise, general manager of Bourke Shire, said. ''But there's been millions and millions of dollars of lost productivity that would have flowed had it remained a viable property.''</div>
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He said Toorale Station had provided about 10 per cent of Bourke's business and 4 per cent of the shire rates. ''Overnight, we lost that.''</div>
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The property on the confluence of the Darling and Warrego rivers was bought by the NSW government, though the Commonwealth paid the bulk of the purchase price with nearly $20 million and in return got the water rights.</div>
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The then water minister Penny Wong said at the time the infrastructure decommissioning plan would be ''implemented as soon as possible''. The Aurecon report in August 2009 advised ''partial decommissioning''.</div>
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The federal Environment Department said in a statement to the<i>Herald</i> the purchase had delivered an extra 56 billion litres of water to the environment by releasing water out of the dams. This falls short of the average 20 billion litres a year - peaking at 80 billion in flood years - Senator Wong promised in 2009, despite the heavy rains and flooding of recent years.</div>
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In the 2010-11 financial year, 7.6 billion litres were returned to the river system - just 0.01 per cent of the total flow of water through the Darling River at the Louth gauge, downstream.</div>
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The Water Minister, Tony Burke, acknowledged decommissioning had ''taken longer than originally expected'' and added ''we're still working through the technical details with NSW as to which is the best pathway''.</div>
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He said the water already recovered had helped the Darling River, the Warrego River, the Great Darling Anabranch and the River Murray wetlands.</div>
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Even supporters of the purchase are disappointed by the lack of progress. Justin McClure, the owner of Kallara Station, a flood plain grazing property south-west of Bourke on the Darling River, said it had always been the understanding the dams would be removed.</div>
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''I'm disappointed that the infrastructure hasn't been decommissioned,'' he said.''I'm disappointed that more water hasn't been returned to the river, although I understand the issues the government is facing.''</div>
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Mr McClure said there had been environmental gains downstream and he still believed the purchase had been worth the money. But he added: ''The fact there's no information on what they're actually doing is what upsets me the most … I don't think it's a transparent process.''</div>
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The opposition water spokesman, Barnaby Joyce, said the Toorale situation boded ill for Murray-Darling Basin reform.</div>
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''When the nation pays for a property that doesn't actually deliver much water into the Darling River and now they are reorganising the nation's food bowl and how we feed ourselves, I get very worried.''</div>
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Read<a href="http://www.smh.com.au/environment/station-buyout-a-waste-of-money-20111223-1p8ln.html#ixzz1hPJi5rNu" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #003399; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">http://www.smh.com.au/environment/station-buyout-a-waste-of-money-20111223-1p8ln.html#ixzz1hPJi5rNu</a></div>
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</span></span>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-1166337949495154432011-12-23T09:24:00.000+11:002011-12-23T09:31:17.423+11:00Macquarie and Castlereagh River Systems<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fXYAP_V1Ho0/TvOtZw7JSOI/AAAAAAAAIn0/yFOvPALpsGE/s1600/Macquarie+and+Castlereagh+River+Systems.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fXYAP_V1Ho0/TvOtZw7JSOI/AAAAAAAAIn0/yFOvPALpsGE/s400/Macquarie+and+Castlereagh+River+Systems.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Macquarie and Castlereagh River Systems</div>
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Picture from</div>
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<a href="http://www.mrff.com.au/Industry/MacquarieRiver.html">Macquarie River Food & Fibre site</a></div>
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<br />
More on this catchment from the<br />
<a href="http://www.environment.gov.au/ewater/northern/macquarie-castlereagh/index.html">Commonwealth Environmental Water site</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5EKHkrmrfV4/TvOvMrrjXXI/AAAAAAAAIoA/JiosuYurQEU/s1600/Macquarie-Castlereagh+Catchment.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5EKHkrmrfV4/TvOvMrrjXXI/AAAAAAAAIoA/JiosuYurQEU/s400/Macquarie-Castlereagh+Catchment.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-42042138344435657022011-12-23T09:18:00.000+11:002011-12-23T09:18:09.927+11:00Macquarie Marshes, the Proposed Basin Plan, and Grazing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9ciE-Cjo20/TvOsNWd9-qI/AAAAAAAAIno/d1hfzjdPGqQ/s1600/Draft+basin+plan+release+brings+fresh+debate+over+Macquarie+Marshes+-+ABC+Western+Plains+NSW+-+Australian+Broadcasting+Corporation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9ciE-Cjo20/TvOsNWd9-qI/AAAAAAAAIno/d1hfzjdPGqQ/s400/Draft+basin+plan+release+brings+fresh+debate+over+Macquarie+Marshes+-+ABC+Western+Plains+NSW+-+Australian+Broadcasting+Corporation.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/11/28/3378051.htm">Draft basin plan release brings fresh debate over Macquarie Marshes</a></span></h1>
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<br /></div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-4555624879564723062011-12-23T09:11:00.000+11:002011-12-23T09:11:14.942+11:00Macquarie Marshes - Flooded once more<div style="text-align: center;">
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</div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-21726130446836700862011-12-23T08:49:00.000+11:002011-12-23T08:49:26.888+11:00Macquarie Marshes Environmental Trust<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKX3dCbDLfo/TvOlhW7PJpI/AAAAAAAAInc/hQoEa7cfzoY/s1600/Macquarie+Marshes+Environmental+Trust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKX3dCbDLfo/TvOlhW7PJpI/AAAAAAAAInc/hQoEa7cfzoY/s400/Macquarie+Marshes+Environmental+Trust.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.macquariemarshes.org.au/">Macquarie Marshes Environmental Trust</a></div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-79516104887244569662011-12-23T08:42:00.000+11:002011-12-23T08:42:13.497+11:00The Australian Floodplain Association<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O3SXgn7kVZw/TvOjzuKGxoI/AAAAAAAAInQ/EIyIWE27-oM/s1600/The+Australian+Floodplain+Association.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O3SXgn7kVZw/TvOjzuKGxoI/AAAAAAAAInQ/EIyIWE27-oM/s400/The+Australian+Floodplain+Association.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ausfloodplain.org.au/index.html">The Australian Floodplain Association</a></div>
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<br /></div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-58064631246767444862011-12-23T08:33:00.003+11:002011-12-23T08:33:36.100+11:00Western Rivers Carer and the Wild Rivers Declaration for western rivers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OoyNgRA3idI/TvOg8zvGJrI/AAAAAAAAInE/_3lPz1qfAlY/s1600/Western+Rivers+Carer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="475" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OoyNgRA3idI/TvOg8zvGJrI/AAAAAAAAInE/_3lPz1qfAlY/s640/Western+Rivers+Carer.jpg" width="525" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://westernriverscarer.blogspot.com/">Western Rivers Carer</a></div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-38143572105536770492011-12-23T08:20:00.001+11:002011-12-23T08:20:58.443+11:00Proposed Basin Plan and Facts Sheets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNfJPy-THia8D1AkOkagp2F9kosoSChOeWmMfJaU1oOQ4MRZF-DFKDspuG2NWBBXYSed7fvwxWbA2jGzdrrRZjYTrfrIosp2zxTK5R6yj-tjVBmXVsjfEDuEes2SYmuij7Q_QAkZO9zM/s1600/MDBA+-+Proposed+basin+plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNfJPy-THia8D1AkOkagp2F9kosoSChOeWmMfJaU1oOQ4MRZF-DFKDspuG2NWBBXYSed7fvwxWbA2jGzdrrRZjYTrfrIosp2zxTK5R6yj-tjVBmXVsjfEDuEes2SYmuij7Q_QAkZO9zM/s400/MDBA+-+Proposed+basin+plan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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An ordinary mortal in coming to grips with the material put forward by the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) in regard to the Proposed Basin Plan is quite a hurdle. I have been remiss in the timeliness of getting these documents to you on line, Networkers. So.. I hope you have been over at the website. I have been battling all manner of ill health this past month and this week has been taken up with all manner of medical and allied medical visitations ... and there is a biggy next week. I am having yet another mammogram but expect this one to enable me to celebrate ten years free of breast cancer!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>~~~~~</i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There is a mountain of material on the MDBA website. There are the comments from Minister Tony Burke and the Chairman of the Authority, Craig Knowles. There's a decision to be made about whether one can get to any of the listed consultations. The consultations appear to be less numerous and widespread than those held by the Authority when the Guide to the Draft Plan last year. However, I am advised that the current list is only for consultations prior to Christmas. In the New Year, a new list will appear with more extensive consultations, including Melbourne, on the list. I was able to attend the consultations in Shepparton and in Melbourne last time....but, while the spirit is very willing, the body has got somewhat weaker in the ensuing year. <br />
<br />
I did this week attend The Low Down held at Environment Victoria this week. Lead speaker was the marvellous Juliet Le Feuvre. She was ably followed by the more than capable Domenica Settle.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrP4CoCVwvo8CHD4ebPy61KP-vsR4QiQtxWS6UCSfqzxZ3Nr-SAs-XTSrPNAB5D1y1WnYhfiKG-9tm7vlPoWFutUgUVOmAxiuF0F94X_9aEnj-mAwBDXe8mr2nacGXZ_URXjkrxSFSWLQ/s1600/Domenica+Settle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrP4CoCVwvo8CHD4ebPy61KP-vsR4QiQtxWS6UCSfqzxZ3Nr-SAs-XTSrPNAB5D1y1WnYhfiKG-9tm7vlPoWFutUgUVOmAxiuF0F94X_9aEnj-mAwBDXe8mr2nacGXZ_URXjkrxSFSWLQ/s1600/Domenica+Settle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdnHnhtPQyJa5xU1Fgl0ZLM_f8SRBTcP9WaZMmhILwC7Lf8WedVDyiJkp0elJ9amYu7hZMJt_f9RICt-wh_CagPqxxAv2zLGKwEyoursX_fnZINE7xCCURA5kdoq-gJU5dk8oOu94zmw/s1600/Juliet+Le+Feuvre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdnHnhtPQyJa5xU1Fgl0ZLM_f8SRBTcP9WaZMmhILwC7Lf8WedVDyiJkp0elJ9amYu7hZMJt_f9RICt-wh_CagPqxxAv2zLGKwEyoursX_fnZINE7xCCURA5kdoq-gJU5dk8oOu94zmw/s200/Juliet+Le+Feuvre.jpg" width="96" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrP4CoCVwvo8CHD4ebPy61KP-vsR4QiQtxWS6UCSfqzxZ3Nr-SAs-XTSrPNAB5D1y1WnYhfiKG-9tm7vlPoWFutUgUVOmAxiuF0F94X_9aEnj-mAwBDXe8mr2nacGXZ_URXjkrxSFSWLQ/s1600/Domenica+Settle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrP4CoCVwvo8CHD4ebPy61KP-vsR4QiQtxWS6UCSfqzxZ3Nr-SAs-XTSrPNAB5D1y1WnYhfiKG-9tm7vlPoWFutUgUVOmAxiuF0F94X_9aEnj-mAwBDXe8mr2nacGXZ_URXjkrxSFSWLQ/s200/Domenica+Settle.jpg" width="188" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdnHnhtPQyJa5xU1Fgl0ZLM_f8SRBTcP9WaZMmhILwC7Lf8WedVDyiJkp0elJ9amYu7hZMJt_f9RICt-wh_CagPqxxAv2zLGKwEyoursX_fnZINE7xCCURA5kdoq-gJU5dk8oOu94zmw/s1600/Juliet+Le+Feuvre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
These two women are the Rivers Campaigners/Experts for <a href="http://www.envict.org.au/">Environment Victoria</a>. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>~~~~~~</i></span></b></div>
However, I will begin at the beginning. The material below is available from the <a href="http://www.mdba.gov.au/">the Authority website</a>. I download it here, because for some it is more accessible and may prove easier to locate in the longer term. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I do commend the authority on the document regarding the individual catchments of the Murray Darling Basin. The individual maps provided are valuable and, I have to wonder, whether teachers might take a good look at the document for classroom use. In addition, I wonder if localised tourism could be enhanced by marketing catchment tours so people can learn about their rivers, the environment, agriculture, and irrigation. I have lived in a number of these catchments and have travelled in a number of others. But what better way to get to know your country than by getting to know the Murray-Darling Basin - people could be encouraged to gather a clutch of catchments in an interlinked regional tourism push.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="500" src="http://www.box.com/embed/mchqxfrzvmrscpn.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"></embed><br />
<br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="500" src="http://www.box.com/embed/350p9hoolknebh0.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"></embed><br />
Basin Plan implementation pathway process<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="400" src="http://www.box.com/embed/eqrxkbsi823tvdf.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"></embed><br />
Proposed Basin Plan<br />
<br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="400" src="http://www.box.com/embed/1ehzacnpci17ooj.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"></embed><br />
Knowledge behind the Plan<br />
<br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="500" src="http://www.box.com/embed/ufr1suxvpgctkl1.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"></embed><br />
The draft Basin Plan: catchment by catchment<br />
<br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="500" src="http://www.box.com/embed/oq41eslczs7htj6.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"></embed><br />
The proposed "environmentally sustainable level of take"<br />
for surface water of the Murray-Darling Basin: method and outcomes<br />
<br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="400" src="http://www.box.com/embed/co5rq5ted22bcqi.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"></embed><br />
Climate change and the Basin Plan<br />
<br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="400" src="http://www.box.com/embed/f0x1jb0jbe443r1.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"></embed><br />
FACT SHEET:<br />
The proposed 'environmentally sustainable level of take'<br />
for surface water of the Murray-Darling Basin<br />
<br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="400" src="http://www.box.com/embed/yhdzr33m12uae9h.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"></embed><br />
Flooding and the Basin Plan<br />
<br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="400" src="http://www.box.com/embed/oqikx6y79v2tp6m.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"></embed><br />
Hydrological modelling<br />
<br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="400" src="http://www.box.com/embed/77aj4yf5gj9g0co.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"></embed><br />
Managing Australia's water resources<br />
<br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="400" src="http://www.box.com/embed/y7q4fkxdh38qi0j.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"></embed><br />
Sustainable diversion limit compliance<br />
<br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="400" src="http://www.box.com/embed/kygctg9gmy4fr08.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"></embed><br />
Transitional and interim water resource plans<br />
<br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="400" src="http://www.box.com/embed/b4eb7l5rqzqy1pb.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"></embed><br />
Water Quality and Salinity Management Plan<br />
<br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="400" src="http://www.box.com/embed/83m3fop7nu09ag4.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"></embed><br />
Communication products for draft Basin Plan release<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.mdba.gov.au/draft-basin-plan/delivering-healthy-working-basin">Delivering a healthy working Basin</a></b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.mdba.gov.au/draft-basin-plan/questions-answered">Questions answered</a></b><br />
<br />
Now if you aren't worn out, asleep, or thoroughly bored witless<br />
I won't download any more docs.<br />
<i><u><b>HOWEVER,</b></u></i><br />
please go to these linked documents<br />
<b><a href="http://www.mdba.gov.au/draft-basin-plan/supporting-documents">Supporting Documents</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.mdba.gov.au/draft-basin-plan/supporting-documents/ewp">Environmental Watering Plan - What's in it and how will it work?</a></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
If it were 1 June, I would suggest gathering the family around the fire for a reading session and you could each take a doc and read snippets to each other over a succession of nights. This should only take about three months so that on 31 August you can quiz each other and see who passes the comprehension test. On the first day of Spring collapse in a heap and then hibernate until Christmas. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Instead it's December. It's hot. Some catchments have had floods already this season and some are keeping an eye on their rivers for more of the same. The documents have been out for just under a fortnight and there's just over a fortnight until Christmas. Oh, well. Forget the Christmas Cards. Give everyone in the family a store gift card. Who has time to shop? Merry Christmas and we'll see if we can get this sorted in the New Year.</div>
</div>
</div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-81636432215240592752011-12-23T08:14:00.000+11:002011-12-23T08:14:18.043+11:00Socio-economics of floodplain agriculture in the Murray-Darling Basin<div style="text-align: center;">
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="450" src="http://www.box.com/embed/vyym545qp6vqcv5.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="525" wmode="opaque"></embed>
</div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-84022323286644142392010-10-25T23:22:00.002+11:002010-10-25T23:23:54.220+11:00Ministerial statement: Murray Darling Basin Reform - Interpretation of the Water Act 2007<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C_dw0NF2IAQ/TMVykOogeHI/AAAAAAAAGfo/dpqi8bFaLvk/s1600/Tony+Burke+-+Water+Act.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C_dw0NF2IAQ/TMVykOogeHI/AAAAAAAAGfo/dpqi8bFaLvk/s400/Tony+Burke+-+Water+Act.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="400" src="http://www.box.net/embed/c7i290vsurmxx4g.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"></embed></div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-32124371002857307972010-10-20T10:06:00.000+11:002010-10-20T10:06:50.693+11:00The Basin Plan Knowledge and Information Directory (BP-KID)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKU05oa4xEKFkdJINSqVHFLUC5J8eZ1yAbqbDp6c7cbcyCcDsbCZRq9Ci8l71pNEJqSZLnqCapRne42Dx6uGd1qF3hXrx0EIhkNNTMCsDDcegVu5vFCoTBTmxkzDioP1KYdePqk6TpEKdX/s1600/BP-KID.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKU05oa4xEKFkdJINSqVHFLUC5J8eZ1yAbqbDp6c7cbcyCcDsbCZRq9Ci8l71pNEJqSZLnqCapRne42Dx6uGd1qF3hXrx0EIhkNNTMCsDDcegVu5vFCoTBTmxkzDioP1KYdePqk6TpEKdX/s400/BP-KID.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;">The Basin Plan Knowledge and Information Directory (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;"><b>BP-KID</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;">) identifies information and knowledge, including scientific and socioeconomic, that underpins the development of the proposed Basin Plan. Where possible, these resources can be accessed online or via their publisher/custodian.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;">BP-Kid is accessed at</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 14px;"><a href="http://thebasinplan.mdba.gov.au/bpkid/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">http://thebasinplan.mdba.gov.au/bpkid/</span></a></span></div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-30265500217398207402010-10-20T09:54:00.000+11:002010-10-20T09:54:25.995+11:00Science supporting water management in the Murray-Darling Basin<div style="text-align: center;"><embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="400" src="http://www.box.net/embed/shpht3lxqi4s25s.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"></embed></div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-43340372230565342192010-10-20T09:33:00.000+11:002010-10-20T09:33:14.102+11:00Social Impact of Changing Water Regimes - framework and Echuca case study<div style="text-align: center;"><embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="400" src="http://www.box.net/embed/9azybalrigeq6st.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"></embed></div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-60576287494436040212010-10-20T09:24:00.000+11:002010-10-20T09:24:35.141+11:00A Victorian River Rescue Package: 2010 Election Policy Priorities<div style="text-align: center;"><embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="400" src="http://www.box.net/embed/pa0654tx8cpt335.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"></embed></div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-83509518080094041142010-10-20T08:16:00.000+11:002010-10-20T08:16:44.973+11:00Tropical Rivers Futures Forum Report<div style="text-align: center;"><embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="400" src="http://www.box.net/embed/t2g230l2ycdfxv2.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"></embed></div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-65622311855090760642010-10-20T08:09:00.000+11:002010-10-20T08:09:20.711+11:00Proportion of diverted surface water used for irrigation in different surface water management areas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDH4gwBpeiic60hLXx9gmhK8aaT3bdZVCl0_c9FaWOTaLqOnL_Cu8UZc46vxWEd2Oz9uEvINcuJ4kxioBsdItVbkPIjmj8XOYQKRVPM3sgc2mQlxmriCBwljd3lYV0mB84a9OHVt0XSwQ_/s1600/Surface+water+used+for+irrigation.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDH4gwBpeiic60hLXx9gmhK8aaT3bdZVCl0_c9FaWOTaLqOnL_Cu8UZc46vxWEd2Oz9uEvINcuJ4kxioBsdItVbkPIjmj8XOYQKRVPM3sgc2mQlxmriCBwljd3lYV0mB84a9OHVt0XSwQ_/s400/Surface+water+used+for+irrigation.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514428920268317069.post-19497279231570604472010-10-20T08:04:00.000+11:002010-10-20T08:04:51.546+11:00Victoria River Catchment, Northern Territory: An Assessment of the Physical and Ecological Condition of the Victoria River and its Major Tributaries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddR30642-fb420e7n_UkbvUcSCdKWoos0VrIx9NQyV3FWOgMeE8KO6_2b1GHAZ9S7QEHuCmNBZ_f-MpohK7qVFene9T8J_7mayGuevsIUHB39NHk6XJc9l3CvuvjyNVLLLLZOPGyu_Cuz/s1600/catchment_map_victoria_river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddR30642-fb420e7n_UkbvUcSCdKWoos0VrIx9NQyV3FWOgMeE8KO6_2b1GHAZ9S7QEHuCmNBZ_f-MpohK7qVFene9T8J_7mayGuevsIUHB39NHk6XJc9l3CvuvjyNVLLLLZOPGyu_Cuz/s400/catchment_map_victoria_river.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sites marked on the map above are telemetered gauging stations</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_915776376">Go here to download documents relating to the</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/water/aquatic/waterways/victoria.html">Victoria River in the Northern Territory</a></div>Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862531789968068093noreply@blogger.com