Busselton, Margaret River, Augusta: land capability study

Authors

Peter J. Tille, DAFWAFollow
Neil Clifton Lantzke

Publication Date

1990

Series Number

5

Abstract

The study was done to ensure that information on the area's land resource, and its capability, is available for land use planning. This information will assist planners to make decisions which can allow for the optimal development of the land while avoiding land degradation or land use conflicts. A map showing the distribution of land units defined according to soil type, topography, drainage and wind exposure was prepared at a scale of 1:50,000. From this map a smaller scale, less detailed land systems map was drawn. Land capability, the ability of land to sustain a specific use without undesirable on-site or off-site effects, has been assessed by comparing the requirements of a number of land uses with the physical attributes of the land units mapped. Land capability has been assessed for the following land uses: • grazing • viticulture • market gardening • orchard crops • forestry For each of the units, the physical limitations for housing on small rural lots have been assessed. The results of the study are presented in three sections. • The land systems section gives a general overview of the area and its capabilities by describing and discussing the 15 land systems identified. • The section on land uses discusses the physical requirements of each use and describes the distribution of areas capable of sustaining that use. • The appendices can be used as a map key: Appendix 1 describes each land unit, Appendix 2 gives the capability ratings for each land unit, and the physical limitations for housing on small rural lots are listed for each land unit in Appenix 3. More than 70% of the area has a high capability to sustain grazing, while about half the area has a high capability for forestry. The portion of the area which is good horticultural land is much smaller and ranges between the 5%, which is capable of sustaining market gardens, and the 15% capable of sustaining vineyards. Much of this area may not be available for these uses because of conflicting land uses or limited water availability. The horticultural industry is very important, producing about a third of the total agricultural income in 1989. Without careful planning, there may not be the land resources for this industry to expand to full potential. Many coastal dunes are prone to wind erosion and clearing vegetation in these areas should be avoided. Without careful land use planning, water erosion is likely to occur on some slopes. It is not the purpose of our work to dictate land use. Information is provided which needs to be combined with other data before decision are made as to land use.

Keywords

Land capability, Land resources, Land use planning, Soil surveys, Western Australia, South west region (WA), Busselton region (WA), Margaret River region (WA), Augusta region (WA)

Disciplines

Agriculture | Natural Resources Management and Policy | Soil Science

Recommended Citation

Tille, P J, and Lantzke, N C. (1990), Busselton, Margaret River, Augusta: land capability study. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia, Perth. Report 5.
https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/land_res/5

Maps

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