Bioassessment of the Loddon River Valley for the Sustainable Rivers Audit Program
The Sustainable Rivers Audit (SRA) is the largest assessment of river health undertaken in the Murray-Darling Basin. The program is an initiative of the Murray Darling Basin Commission (MDBC), and is supported by the state and federal partner governments. The program aims to overcome the lack of consistent, detailed information on the health of the Murray-Darling Basin's 23 river valleys, and to monitor change over time. Led by Chris Bloink of our Melbourne Office, Biosis Research's aquatic ecology team is for the second time (2005/2006 and now 2007/2008) assessing the macroinvertebrate community of the Loddon Basin and providing data on the indicators collected to EPA Victoria, who are responsible for coordinating the Victorian macroinvertebrate theme. The data will be used to assess the existing health of the rivers, to detect trends in health through time and predict the long-term ecological consequences of these changes. Other indicators assessed include fish and hydrology.
Bioassessment of the Hopkins and Corangamite Basins for the Southern Basins Program The Southern Basins Program is an initialive of the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). The data collected under this program is used by Catchment Management Authorities to assist in making catchment management decisions and provides the Aquatic Life sub-indicies data required for the calculation of DSE's Index of Stream Condition. Led by Chris Bloink of our Melbourne Office, Biosis Research's aquatic ecology team assessed the macroinvertebrate communities of the Hopkins and Corangamite basins in the 2006/2007 season and provided data on the indicators collected to EPA Victoria, who are responsible for coordinating the program.
Bioassessment of the Moorabool and Bunyip River Basins for the Southern Basins Program The Southern Basins Program is an initialive of the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). The data collected under this program is used by Catchment Management Authorities to assist in making catchment management decisions and provides the Aquatic Life sub-indicies data required for the calculation of DSE's Index of Stream Condition. Led by Chris Bloink of our Melbourne Office, Biosis Research's aquatic ecology team assessed the macroinvertebrate communities of the Moorabool and Bunyip basins in the 2007/2008 season and provided data on the indicators collected to EPA Victoria, who are responsible for coordinating the program.
Heritage Assessment for the Meeting Place Precinct, Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell Working in a team with Design-5 Heritage Architects, Biosis Research is involved in the preparation of the heritage assessment for this iconic Australian site the 1770 landing place of Captain Cook and the Endeavour. The project is being undertaken for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Dr Jane Harrington is co-ordinating the Biosis Research input, and is preparing the social value assessment for the precinct, with a strong emphasis of the role the precinct can play in reconciliation. This involves an understanding of values at both the National and Local levels, and input from Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. It includes gaining an understanding of Aboriginal natural resource use and totemic associations with the flora of the national park. Sian Wilkins (Botanist) has been assessing the endemic flora, with an aim of understanding the extent of extant vegetation with links to the site pre-1770. Chris Lewczak (Archaeologist) is preparing the archaeological assessment and zoning plan.
Independent Expert Panel for the Hawkesbury-Nepean, Shoalhaven and Woronora Rivers Dr Eleni-Taylor-Wood, of our Sydney office, has been a member of this Expert Panel since 2002. As part of this panel, she and other Biosis Research staff have provided advice in the areas of instream, riparian and wetland vegetation, riverine fauna and cultural heritage to key bodies such as the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Management Forum, NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, Sydney Catchment Authority and Penrith Lakes Development Corporation. The Panel has been developing an environmental flow regime and, adaptive management and monitoring program for the rivers.
Macedon Ranges Shire Vegetation Mapping Native vegetation across the Shire of Macedon Ranges is being classified, mapped and assessed for the Shire Council to provide a better basis for planning and managing the Shires natural resources. Our team, lead by Dr Jeff Yugovic, has been conducting the survey using aerial photos and roadside survey, with some of the more remote private land being visited with permission to maintain accuracy of the mapping across the Shire. About 30 vegetation types occur within the Shire, reflecting its diverse geology, topography and climate. The study will contribute to a framework for assessing the likely impact of development proposals and the need for further investigation or management activities.
