Publication Date

7-2000

Series Number

Miscellaneous Publication 8/2000

Publisher

Agriculture Western Australia

City

Perth

ISSN

1326-4168

Abstract

An eight day survey of degradation in the Ellen Brook and Brockman River catchments revealed several areas of concern. Key concerns are:

Erosion and sedimentation

Various forms of erosion were observed during the survey that would cumulatively have an effect on the quality of both the Ellen Brook and the Brockman Rivers, and ultimately the Swan River. Erosion resulted from many situations including landholder management, subdivision design and infrastructure maintenance. Raising awareness as to consequences of erosion and sedimentation, along with remedial techniques and best management practices is recommended for the various levels of stakeholders.

Eutrophication

Eutrophication has been established as a major issue both in the catchments and downstream, although further identification of contributing areas and monitoring is needed. A major wetland demonstration site is to be established by the Waters and Rivers Commission, which will assist in further refining tactical best management practices. Agriculture Western Australia also has an information package on artificial wetlands for rural with properties, along a property planning project to assist landholders to develop suitable land management plans, thereby minimising soil and nutrient loss into waterways.

Salinity

Many instances of mild to severe salinity were observed in several subcatchments. Salinity in these catchments is a growing issue, the significance of which may not be fully realised amongst stakeholders. However, this report does not focus on salinity because a separate publication 'Salinity Survey in the Shire of Chittering' (Angell 2000) is currently being distributed and should be read in tandem with this report.

New subdivisions

New subdivisions of mostly small landholdings are in several subcatchments and their numbers are increasing. Such subdivisions raise issues of both planning and design, in relation to land capability, which must be addressed at the planning and development stage. Landholder management of such blocks is also an issue, and best management practices must be encouraged.

Vegetation

Relatively large areas of government controlled remnant vegetation (or 'bush') are in the study area, along with significant amounts of private remnant vegetation. Such vegetation is under threat from several fronts ranging from weed invasion and grazing stock at the individual land management level, through to subdivision encroachment at the policy and planning level. Fringing vegetation along many drainage lines is also deteriorating, if remaining at all. Best management practices need to be reinforced with all remnant bush landholders (government and private). The value of revegetation and the use of local native species also need to be reinforced.

Other concerns

Other concerns related to extractive industries and feral animals

Number of Pages

121

Keywords

Brockman River, Ellen Brook, Catchments, Erosion, Eutrophication, Salinity, Remnant vegetation, Feral animals

Disciplines

Agribusiness | Agricultural Science | Agronomy and Crop Sciences | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Environmental Monitoring | Horticulture | Hydrology | Natural Resources Management and Policy | Soil Science | Sustainability | Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology

Comments

This report was prepared as part of Agriculture Western Australia's contribution to the Natural Heritage Trust project 'Management Support for Ellen Brook and Southern River

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