Project Leader and Host Organisation

Dr Catherine Robinson, CSIRO

Project Description and Objectives

For detailed descriptions of the outputs for this project for Year 4 (2009/2010) of the MTSRF Research Programme, see the Annual Research Plan.

This project will design and test implementation approaches for improved natural resource management and conservation. This research is based on an adaptive management planning framework with a focus on effective implementation that seeks to integrate social, economic and ecological systems. The key longer term outcome being targeted in this research is the improvement in the management of natural resources and supply of ecosystem services on private land. Our research focuses on achieving this through:

• Improved planning and institutional arrangements underpinning biodiversity, water quality and wider ecosystem services in the GBR region whilst maintaining viable regional industries and communities; and

• Building effective partnerships between researchers, research institutions, resource managers, policy makers, government and non-government agencies that increase the relevance and impact of science in natural resource and regional decision making and governance.

Using knowledge to make collaborative policy-level decisions in Australia's Great Barrier Reef

A technical report released by the CSIRO in January 2010 focuses on the features of collaborative efforts to develop and implement policy associated with water quality programs in the Great Barrier Reef.  The report summarises the characteristics of institutional collaboration focused on policy-level decision-making, and identifies the critical factors which facilitate or impede knowledge-sharing for policy change and implementation.  

These issues are examined through the institutional collaborations that have emerged in response to tackling the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan (2003) objective to halt the decline in the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef within ten years.  Achieving this water quality objective requires an effective system of governance capable of facilitating the necessary cooperation and coordination between multiple environmental decision-makers and activities.  Access the report >

Collaboration for environmental policy decisions in the Great Barrier Reef

The CSIRO has produced a two-page brochure which details research that has identified factors which affect how institutional collaborations influence decision-making in the Great Barrier Reef.  Read more >

Thinking Offsets in FNQ - Concepts, Implementation, Knowledge Needs

Outcomes of a Researcher and Practitioner Workshop held in Townsville, 29 April 2009 as part of the 2009 MTSRF Annual Conference

Offsets are promoted as tools that protect environmental outcomes while delivering economics benefits from development.  In the United States, offsets have been used to manage the impacts of development on wetlands and more recently on the habitat of endangered species.  In Australia, offsets have recently been introduced to manage the impacts of development on native vegetation in New South Wales and Victoria.  Offsets are moving from policy concept to implementation in Queensland through initiatives from all levels of government.

This workshop brought together Queensland based offset practitioners and researchers to share practical knowledge on best practice offset design and implementation.  The meeting also enabled discussion on the knowledge needs to support successful offset policy in Queensland into the future.

Download workshop report:

Coggan, A. and Jess, M. (2009) Thinking Offsets in Far North Queensland:  Concepts, Implementation, Knowledge Needs.  Outcomes of a Researcher and Practitioner Workshop held in Townsville, 29 April 2009 as part of the 2009 MTSRF Annual Conference.  Report to the Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (MTSRF).  Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Ltd, Cairns (39pp.).