What is Catchment Condition Reporting?

Catchment condition reporting presents an assessment of the condition of key natural elements within a catchment and provides an indication of catchment health. It focuses on measuring and reporting on long term changes in biophysical catchment condition.

Catchment condition reporting involves the selection of a limited number of core indicators that demonstrate strong linkages between catchment pressures and natural resource condition. Indicators are a unit of information measured over time that can be used to show changes in a specific state or condition. Catchment condition reporting can be used to help understand the condition of our natural environment, provide a benchmark of condition to measure change, analyse trends over time and assist in environmental decision making and planning.

This report builds upon a trial undertaken on the Latrobe and Corner Inlet Catchment Ecosystems in 2009. It evaluates the condition of strategic natural resource assets within each of the seven catchment ecosystems and provides an understanding of the biophysical condition at the time of production. It presents the best available, credible information on the current condition of natural resource assets in these geographic areas.

The purpose of this report is to:

• Present an assessment of the current condition of natural resource assets using the most recent and relevant information available
• Identify key pressures influencing natural resource condition change
• Provide a robust and scientifically credible information base to assist in evaluating the effectiveness of current management responses to natural resource management issues
• Raise public awareness and understanding of natural resource management issues to influence the way stakeholders use, manage and value the environment

To view the report in PDF format, please select a chapter from the list below. Summary sheets for each of the seven catchment ecosystems have also been developed to complement the report and provide a snapshot of key themes within the document.

Copies of the full report on CD are available by contacting the WGCMA on 1300 094 262.