There is a need to explicitly examine where plantations and water policy may be in conflict at regional levels across Australia and develop specific recommendations for where research can assist with policy development.
The objectives of this review were to:
- Interview representatives from State and Territories to identify progress on policy development, regionally-specific hydrological and other issues considered important in relation to plantations and water interception, and to identify where research can inform policy.
- Undertake spatial analysis of the Surface Water Management Areas across Australia and the impacts of plantations on water flows to illustrate the magnitude of impacts, regions of interest and controlling factors.
- Review relevant information including forest management impacts on water use efficiency, impacts of other crops and management practices on water interception, and the role of native forests in controlling water supply.
- Synthesise the information into a set of specific recommendations for future research to advance science-based policy implementation.
Reference Number:
PRC071-0708
