Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Solutions to the problem of dryland salinity in Queensland

By Stephen Robertson - posted Thursday, 31 May 2001


Land and water degradation costs Australia approximately $3.5 billion annually and salinity is one of the biggest contributors to this degradation.

It is undoubtedly one of the major environmental issues facing Australia in the new millennium.

In Queensland, we are fortunate not to have the severe land and water degradation issues of southern and western Australia.

Advertisement

Approximately 48,000 hectares of land in Queensland are currently affected by localised outbreaks of dryland salinity, compared to an estimated 2.5 million hectares of land Australia-wide.

However, emerging information indicates that the area affected by dryland salinity in Queensland could rise to 3 million hectares by 2050 under current land use practices.

Queensland has an excellent opportunity to redress the state’s salinity and water quality issues before they get out of hand.

The challenge for Queensland is to prevent salinity degradation of land and water by adopting new and appropriate farming and natural resource management systems.

We have already come a long way in the past few years.

New vegetation management guidelines have been introduced, as have new water laws aimed at improving the security of supply for users, ensuring that future water developments are sustainable and protecting the health of our rivers and catchments.

Advertisement

The Queensland Government has also committed significant funds and resources to a rural water use efficiency initiative and to thousands of environmental projects through the Natural Heritage Trust.

The Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM) will soon complete a survey of dryland salinity throughout Queensland, which will lead to the compilation of a detailed salinity hazard map for the State.

Once completed, the salinity hazard map will be an invaluable indicative tool for natural resource managers and regional planners.

  1. Pages:
  2. Page 1
  3. 2
  4. 3
  5. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

The Hon. Stephen Robertson is Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines and the member for Stretton.

Related Links
Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines
Article Tools
Comment Comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy