- Authors: Trewarn, Adam
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text: false
- Description: Sediments are the ultimate repository of most contaminants that enter Australia's waterways; therefore, it is appropriate that regulatory attention addresses the risks posed by sediment contaminants. The release of elevated levels of heavy metals into the environment is a common by-product of our industrialised way of life. This problem continues to increase throughout the industrial age. We are now only beginning to understand the actual long-term burden that must be managed. Globally, estuaries are a critical focal point for civilisation and development. Owing to their strategic location and abundant resources, they have been utilised as trade hubs and industrial centres, and are often subject to intense industrial and urban development. Because estuaries accommodate large volumes of fine-grained sediments, their capacity to trap and absorb metal pollutants qualifies them as important sinks and receptacles for terrestrial, atmospheric, and oceanic metal input. Estuaries also provide important environmental services. Their protective conditions harbour a diverse range of biota, and the biogeochemical processes they accommodate play a key role in nutrient cycling and metal sequestration. However, contamination of estuaries with heavy metals is an ongoing issue, particularly as they bioaccumulate and transfer from sediments to aquatic organisms through the food chain. The Gippsland Lakes catchment has a 150-year history of a range of industrial activities, including gold and other metal mining, large open-cut brown coal mines and associated coalfired power stations, powering much of the state of Victoria, plantation forests and associated timber and paper mills, and extensive agriculture, including intensive dairy. Many of these activities are potential sources of contamination, particularly in bygone times, when environmental awareness and sound practices were less prevalent. The issue of highly elevated levels of heavy metal contaminants present within the Gippsland Lake sediments was first identified over 35 years ago. This comprehensive study looks to re-evaluate the modern surface sediments from across the Gippsland Lakes to determine, (i) If previously identified elevated Hg levels are still present or can be replicated (ii) If there are other metal contaminants that may warrant further attention, (iii) If possible, contamination is current, historical or a prolonged event (iv) If there are any natural or anthropogenic influences affecting metal concentrations within the sediments (v) What is the impact of heavy metal pollution across the Gippsland Lakes? Surficial grab and consolidated core sediment samples were collected over a period between 2015-2018 from thirteen defined locations across the Gippsland Lakes, representing the major geomorphological features of the area (e.g. major river mouths and lakes). Total metal analysis, sediment grain size, and XRF high-resolution core scanning provided insight into the overall distribution and possible risks of bulk and heavy metals present in the Gippsland Lakes sediment. Elevated concentrations of Cr, Ni, As, Cu, and Hg were found throughout the study area, exceeding the lower SQG trigger values across multiple depths and locations. Of the numerous metals initially investigated (Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) within the surface and core sediments, the findings of this study reiterated that the greatest concern was the degree of contamination and distribution of elevated levels of Hg in the western regions of the Gippsland Lakes. In addition, it highlighted the risks associated with elevated levels of Cr, Ni, and Cu. Cr and Ni have been identified at elevated levels throughout most of the western locations, Lake Victoria and Lake King, while isolated Cu is present at Paynesville. Further analysis into the metals and the interactions with the environment has defined three separate influences contributing to the elevated concentrations of heavy metals present across the study area, (i) Natural sources and cycling (Cr, Ni, and As): Concentrations of Cr, Ni, and As are likely a result of natural sources from the surrounding catchment, rather than a specific anthropogenically derived source. (i) Diffuse anthropogenic sources (Hg): The calculated pollution indices showed little to no natural influence on Hg concentrations; therefore, Hg concentrations were deemed highly likely a result of diffuse anthropogenic origin. (ii) Point source (Cu): Concentrations of Cu were generally very low throughout the study, except at a single location in an urbanised area adjacent to a commercial boatyard. This project has provided the most recent and comprehensive assessment of the presence, distribution, and leading influences on heavy metals present in the Gippsland Lakes, forming a strong foundation for informed management of the area into the future.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Developing a regional resilience monitor
- Lawton, Alan, Valenzuela, Ernesto, Duffy, Michelle, Morgan, Damian, Joiner, Therese
- Authors: Lawton, Alan , Valenzuela, Ernesto , Duffy, Michelle , Morgan, Damian , Joiner, Therese
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Technical report , Research Report
- Full Text:
- Description: This study develops a Regional Resilience Monitor (RRM) which will enable the measurement of changes over time in a number of key dimensions for the well-being of regional Australia. Resilience is defined as the capacity of a local community to respond to, and anticipate economic, social and environmental change and to adapt, plan and transform itself for the future. Regional Resilience – in terms of health and well-being, productivity and economic growth, managing risk, and capturing opportunities for sustainable environments and human systems – has been identified as a key strategic priority for Australia, as it has been for a number of other countries. The RRM is made up of six interlocking elements that, together, form a holistic tool and provide a composite measure. These elements are: 1. Economic Health 2. Human Capital 3. Social Well-being 4. Liveability 5. Entrepreneurialism 6. Social Capital and Social Networks The first four elements can be measured using existing data and we identify those data sources. Elements 5 and 6 can be measured using a combination of existing data and, respectively, a newly developed regional entrepreneurship survey and a newly conceived social network analysis. The RRM was developed in, and for, the Latrobe Valley and the wider Gippsland region but can be ‘rolled out’ across regional Victoria as a whole and across regional Australia.
- Authors: Lawton, Alan , Valenzuela, Ernesto , Duffy, Michelle , Morgan, Damian , Joiner, Therese
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Technical report , Research Report
- Full Text:
- Description: This study develops a Regional Resilience Monitor (RRM) which will enable the measurement of changes over time in a number of key dimensions for the well-being of regional Australia. Resilience is defined as the capacity of a local community to respond to, and anticipate economic, social and environmental change and to adapt, plan and transform itself for the future. Regional Resilience – in terms of health and well-being, productivity and economic growth, managing risk, and capturing opportunities for sustainable environments and human systems – has been identified as a key strategic priority for Australia, as it has been for a number of other countries. The RRM is made up of six interlocking elements that, together, form a holistic tool and provide a composite measure. These elements are: 1. Economic Health 2. Human Capital 3. Social Well-being 4. Liveability 5. Entrepreneurialism 6. Social Capital and Social Networks The first four elements can be measured using existing data and we identify those data sources. Elements 5 and 6 can be measured using a combination of existing data and, respectively, a newly developed regional entrepreneurship survey and a newly conceived social network analysis. The RRM was developed in, and for, the Latrobe Valley and the wider Gippsland region but can be ‘rolled out’ across regional Victoria as a whole and across regional Australia.
The development of the Gippsland Economic Modelling Tool
- Lawton, Alan, Valenzuela, Ernesto, Duffy, Michelle, Morgan, Damian
- Authors: Lawton, Alan , Valenzuela, Ernesto , Duffy, Michelle , Morgan, Damian
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Technical report , Research Report
- Full Text:
- Description: This study develops a measurement tool to assess the economic health, human capital, social well-being and liveability of regional locations. The study is guided by developments in the professional literature related to measuring these four dimensions. Information was compiled from existing databases for 72 indicators used to generate four indices: Economic Health, Human Capital, Social Well-being, and Liveability. Index measures are reported for local government authority (LGAs) and Victorian State levels. The four indices provide a new quantitative tool to capture the effects from, and so reflect, economic, social and policy changes impacting across Victoria. Further application of this tool may be provided through periodic data updates over time using data captured on a national scale. The regional focus of the present study is the Latrobe Valley located in the Gippsland region of Victoria. The Latrobe Valley encompasses the LGAs of Baw Baw, Latrobe City and Wellington Shires. In addition, index values are reported for 16 towns located within the three LGAs and we include these findings as Appendix 1. For comparative purposes, the study also reports index values for the Gippsland region (comprising LGAs of Baw-Baw, Bass Coast, East Gippsland, Latrobe City, South Gippsland and Wellington Shire), the State of Victoria, and regional (non-metropolitan areas) using averages. Data were gathered for all 79 Victorian LGAs. The study results provide a measurement framework constructed from a comprehensive application of available databases. The end-product is a significant “tool” that identifies and summates enablers of economic productivity and social and community development. The tool provides evidenced-based measures to inform policy recommendations with regard to strategic intervention options and ensuing impacts on regional sustainability.
- Authors: Lawton, Alan , Valenzuela, Ernesto , Duffy, Michelle , Morgan, Damian
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Technical report , Research Report
- Full Text:
- Description: This study develops a measurement tool to assess the economic health, human capital, social well-being and liveability of regional locations. The study is guided by developments in the professional literature related to measuring these four dimensions. Information was compiled from existing databases for 72 indicators used to generate four indices: Economic Health, Human Capital, Social Well-being, and Liveability. Index measures are reported for local government authority (LGAs) and Victorian State levels. The four indices provide a new quantitative tool to capture the effects from, and so reflect, economic, social and policy changes impacting across Victoria. Further application of this tool may be provided through periodic data updates over time using data captured on a national scale. The regional focus of the present study is the Latrobe Valley located in the Gippsland region of Victoria. The Latrobe Valley encompasses the LGAs of Baw Baw, Latrobe City and Wellington Shires. In addition, index values are reported for 16 towns located within the three LGAs and we include these findings as Appendix 1. For comparative purposes, the study also reports index values for the Gippsland region (comprising LGAs of Baw-Baw, Bass Coast, East Gippsland, Latrobe City, South Gippsland and Wellington Shire), the State of Victoria, and regional (non-metropolitan areas) using averages. Data were gathered for all 79 Victorian LGAs. The study results provide a measurement framework constructed from a comprehensive application of available databases. The end-product is a significant “tool” that identifies and summates enablers of economic productivity and social and community development. The tool provides evidenced-based measures to inform policy recommendations with regard to strategic intervention options and ensuing impacts on regional sustainability.
- Authors: Wright, Wendy
- Date: 2006-2008
- Type: Text , Technical report
- Full Text: false
- Description: This study assessed differences in avian biodiversity across different forest age-classes, including mature stands (> 100 years), in a managed, mixed-species eucalypt forest located in Gippsland, south-eastern Australia. Avian surveys and detailed habitat measurements were initially carried out in 50 two hectare stands ranging in age from 100 years. Extensive wildfire which occurred during the study reduced the number of sites to 28 (seven in each of four age classes) upon which analyses and inferences were made. Mature vegetation (> 100 years) had the greatest richness, abundance and biomass of birds. Key ecological resources, such as tree-hollows for nesting, generally occurred mostly in stands > 60 years. There were quantum increases in all measures of avian biodiversity in mature stands (> 100 years). The visualisation of the survey data is part of an interoperable web-GIS maintained by the Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation(CeRDI) at Federation University Australia (FedUni).
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