Resource Management and Geography - Theses
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ItemAltitudinal distribution of vegetation in the headwaters of the Wongungarra River, Victoria( 1993)Changes in vegetation composition with respect to altitude were investigated in the sclerophyllous forests of the Australian mountain region. Vegetation was surveyed at 148 sites along two transects which were located to maximise variation in altitude and minimise the influence of environmental factors not directly related to altitude. The measurement, simulation, and estimation of environmental variables revealed that this aim was met except at the end-points of the transects where secondary influences are present.
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ItemThe role of Export Processing Zones in East Asian development: South Korea, Taiwan, China and Thailand( 1992-07)Export Processing Zones (EPZs) are about thirty years old now (ILO and UNCTC. 1988). Their effects and influence on third world economic development and on international industrial restructuring have been criticised by different literatures. I wish to combine my practical experience of working in Shenzen Special Economic Zone for four years, with research to compare four EPZs’ development in four East Asian countries and area: Massan Zone in Korea, Kaohsiung Zone in Thailand, Shenzen Zone in China and Lat Krabang Zone in Thailand. This intended to explore the effect of EPZs on the economic development of those countries, and to provide a series of comparative data (especially on the zone of China about which there is little information).
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ItemDevelopment of a breeding program for drug detector dogs: based on studies of a breeding population of guide dogs( 1996-06)A joint research project was undertaken by the Australian Customs Service (Customs),Royal Guide Dogs Associations of Australia (RGDAA) and The University of Melbourne. The aims were to establish a breeding program for Drug Detector Dogs(Detector Dogs) and to further improve the RGDAA breeding program. Behavioural studies were conducted on the RGDAA breeding population of Labradors(Guide Dog population) and a ‘trial’ breeding population was established by Customs during the research (Detector Dog population). We defined traits important for success as a Detector Dog and designed an aptitude test (CRR test) to measure the traits. We found some sex differences for individual traits within the combined Guide Dog and Detector Dog populations. However, no sex difference was observed in terms of overall performance. Within the Detector Dog population, dogs selected to start a Detector Dog training course performed significantly better on the CRR test than dogs not selected to start a course. (For complete abstract open document)
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ItemA study of the hydrochemistry of a limestone area: Buchan, East Gippsland( 1991)This thesis reports the results obtained, and conclusions made regarding research into the hydrochemistry of a small impounded karst area in southeastern Australia. Water samples were collected from a variety of sites over a period of approximately six years and include samples that are representative of baseflow (drought conditions) and flood (high flow conditions) the two extremes of the flow regime. Four distinct water types were found to be associated with the karst spring and cave water sites sampled. In terms of physical, chemical and computed parameter values these have been classed as TYPE 1 water (median parameter values similar to those noted for the surface stream sites sampled with catchments of non-carbonate material); TYPE 2 water (catchment predominantly of limestone); TYPE 3 water (catchment predominantly of dolomite); TYPE 4 water (high median chemical concentrations). Spatial variation within the study area is considerable and intrinsic factors such as catchment lithology, the residence time of recharge, aspect and vegetation cover are the major natural controls in determining physical and chemical characteristics.
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ItemEstablishment of grassland forbs in modified urban environments( 1998-04)The use of nature-like plantings to ameliorate degraded public landscapes in Europe and North America is extensive. There is a growing trend towards the use of ecological urban landscape design in Australia. Meadow landscape may have broad applications in the treatment of degraded landscapes in Australia. An examination of suitable establishment and management techniques for flowering grasslands was undertaken at Fawkner Memorial Park. This site contains large areas of severely disturbed and degraded soils, due to past burial practices. Trials on the establishment of forbs via direct seeding and plug planting were undertaken. The management of bulb species by mowing was examined through foliage removal treatments post anthesis. The management of grass biomass through herbicides was also examined. (For complete abstract open document)
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Item'Women in agriculture': A geography of Australian agricultural activism( 1996-01)This thesis argues that the multiple geographies of political practice are an important feature of activism. It investigates the women in agriculture movement, which is an informally connected web of groups and events working to increase the recognition and participation of women in Australian agriculture. By approaching agriculture as a political and social activity, as well as and economic one, the study demonstrates diverse relations to place, in the mobilisation of the women in agriculture movement. The thesis argues that the movement is challenging Australian agriculture through actions over a variety of sites, scales and spheres. The thesis sets out to explain the development and impact of women in agriculture activism. In doing so it studies both the contexts and effects of the movement. Multiple dimensions of the movement’s contexts are examined: agricultural, political, discursive and locational dimensions are shown to have shaped its development and character. These dimensions have then been challenged by the movement as it acts on its agenda of recognition and participation. Three case groups within the movement were investigated to demonstrate the personal, farm and public scales at which the activism of women in agriculture has had an impact. First, the individual and collective agency of participants, at a personal level, is noted as women negotiate diverse subject positions and experience the collective relational aspects of ‘movement politics’. Second, the impact of the movement is analysed at the level of the farm unit where it challenges many of the conventional arrangements operating within family farms. Third, the movement’s impact is described within a number of spheres of agricultural and community affairs. It is argued that the movement applied specific political strategies to farmer, industry, media and state spheres which resulted in the varying success of their goals for women’s increased recognition and participation in agriculture. Analysis of the multiple geographies of activism illustrated by the women in agriculture movement reveals the political and discursive processes that operate to construct family farming. Moreover, it demonstrates the impact of activism where a movement strategically operates in multiple places and spaces to effect the social change and desires.
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ItemLabour restructuring and the growth of casual employment in Australia, 1982-1996( 1998)This thesis examines the expansion of casual employment in Australia since the early 1980s. It investigates the important phenomenon of casualisation, ie the increase in the proportion of employees who are employed under a casual contract of employment. ABS data suggest that the proportion of employees who are casual employees (in their main job) rose sharply from 13.3 per cent in 1982 to 26.1 per cent in 1996. Casualisation is a central element of contemporary labour restructuring in Australia, with significant implications for the employees directly involved, other workers, employers, trade unions and policy-makers. In spite of its importance, it is, however, neglected in social science research. Casual employment is the main form of non-permanent waged work in Australia. It is an unusual phenomenon, without an easily recognisable counterpart in other advanced capitalist societies, where non-permanent waged work, ie 'temporary' employment, is more likely to take the form of fixed-term contracts. The thesis is both a theoretical and an empirical study. It appropriates and develops several theoretical concepts to use in the investigation of casualisation in Australia. In order to assist in delineating the main features of casual employment and casualisation, it develops and deploys a comparative perspective. After reviewing the extensive literature on temporary employment in other advanced capitalist societies, the thesis argues that casual employment, like temporary employment in many European countries, can be understood as situated within the gaps in the system of protective regulation, including a gap associated with special rules and special exemptions. It is the distinctive form of labour regulation in Australia that is largely responsible for the distinctive features of casual employment. The empirical component of the thesis describes and starts to explain the phenomenon of casualisation. It builds up a detailed descriptive profile of the expansion of casual employment, drawing primarily on aggregate ABS data. This starts with a description of the labour regulations that structure the casual employment contract. In addition, it includes description of the steady expansion of casual employment since the early 1980s, the (changing) distribution of casual employees in the employment structure, the characteristics of casual employees (according to age, sex and ethnicity), and the conditions of casual employment. The thesis also examines the causes of casualisation. It focuses on employer calculations and choices, and points to the way in which casual employment, where it is available to employers, can offer advantages in terms of cheaper labour costs, greater ease of dismissal, ability to match labour-time to fluctuations in workload, administrative convenience, and enhanced control. It suggests that the expansion of casual employment can be viewed as the product of a combination of factors, including shifts in the relative advantages of casual employment, in product market imperatives, in employer power, and in employer perceptions.
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ItemMoira Lake: a case study of the deterioration of a River Murray natural resource( 1995)Moira Lake is a large, reed fringed natural freshwater lake fed by the Murray River located in southern New South Wales. Historically the lake provided excellent habitat for native fish and waterbirds which, together with other river and lake resources, provided food for a relatively large and sedentary aboriginal population. Native fish in particular demonstrated a strong affinity with Moira Lake which formed the principal nursery area for native fish in the central Murray region. The availability of historical reports describing the fish- and bird-life of the Moira Lake complex has allowed changes to their abundance, distribution and diversity to be unequivocally established. These changes have been substantial to the point of local extinction for some species and more commonly loss or decline of breeding populations for most if not all others. The most significant changes have occurred within the last 20- 30 years. Many native fish and most waterbirds are dependent on flooding to induce breeding behaviour and establish environmental conditions necessary for the recruitment of offspring. In ephemeral wetlands a drying period is also important outside of the breeding season to allow important ecological processes to proceed which act to maximise food availability for native fish and waterbirds upon reflooding. Analysis of river flow patterns and lake hydrology using modelled and historical river flow data established that the ecology of the lake evolved with regular cycles of submergence in winter and spring and desiccation in summer and autumn. These cycles coincided with the natural flood and recession patterns of the Murray River. Following the completion of the Hume Dam in 1936, Moira Lake has been subjected to a hydrological regime far different to that which existed naturally and one that is the result of management goals other than for nature conservation. These factors include a reduction in the frequency, extent and duration of winter and spring flood events, and the total loss of a regular periodic drying phase in summer and autumn. The deterioration in species richness and abundance correlates with the escalation of irrigation developments in the 1960s, and it is concluded that regulation of the water supplies of the Murray River has been the most significant agency responsible for the deterioration of the ecology of Moira Lake. It is proposed that active water management by way of an envirol1lnental water allocation and installation of water control structures within the lake complex are necessary to ameliorate the adverse environmental ilnpacts of river regulation. Constraints affecting the adoption of an environmental release strategy for the Murray River are discussed.
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ItemChallenging to ‘save’ the remaining native forests in Tasmania: assessing the strength of the Tasmanian environment movement and Japanese companies’ level of ‘greening’( 1999)For the past two to three decades, logging of native forests for woodchips to produce paper has been the icon of controversial environmental issues in Australia, particularly in Tasmania. This thesis argues that Tasmania's remaining native forests will not be saved from 'woodchipping' by either current and planned campaign strategies of Tasmanian environmentalists, or the 'greening' of the largest customers for Australia's woodchips, Japanese general trading companies and paper companies. This argument is based primarily on information gathered through literature searches and extensive interviews of parties with interests in shaping the future of Tasmania's native forests - personnel from the export woodchip industry and relevant Japanese companies as well as environmental activists. This exercise also highlighted the positions of the various interest groups within the dynamic global woodchip trade. One set of trade relationships, between the Tasmanian export woodchip company North Forest Products and its Japanese customers was closely examined. Studying these parties' business behaviour and trade practices within the context of Australian environmental politics between the early 1980s and late 1990s enabled the researcher to conclude that Tasmanian environmentalists are losing political influence. Some Tasmanian environmentalists are seeking new campaign strategies and they are hoping to directly contact with Japanese customers in order to convince them of the significance of halting native forest woodchip imports. However, despite their efforts in establishing environmental management systems and their eagerness to become 'green', these Japanese companies appear to be unsympathetic to the views of Tasmanian environmentalists on the need to reduce and stop the trade of native forest woodchips. This is not because these Japanese companies are 'green image' makers, as some scholars argue, but these companies are simply interested in 'greening' in their own ways. However, their efforts are considered 'insufficient' by environmentalists and their 'greening' will not contribute in 'saving' Tasmania's existing native forests. A small scale study such as this is unable to make detailed conclusions on the future patterns of Tasmanian forest exploitation. However, it foresees a disheartening future for Tasmanian environmentalists, if they try to realise their dream of 'saving' Tasmania's remaining native forests from 'woodchipping', especially by using stated strategies.
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ItemThe interaction between the environment land use and hydrology of the Bogong High Plains area from 1850 to 1985( 1990)The Bogong High Plains form part of the' Australian alpine area which contributes significantly to the water resources of south-eastern Australia. The dual factors of a high average annual runoff and low levels of variability by Australian standards point to the value of the area for water production and the need for optimum management criteria. However, the hydrological response of the streams draining the alpine area to changing environmental and land use factors has not been previously addressed. In this thesis the environmental and land use history of the Bogong High Plains Area has been documented. On the basis of historical reports and photographs, management decisions affecting the Alps, and ecological studies in the Area since the 1940s, trends in the environmental condition of the Bogong High Plains Area between 1850 and 1985 have been ascertained. The land use history of the Area has been documented, including: the Aboriginal visits to the area to exploit the Bogong moth; the use of the subalpine and alpine environments by graziers and their stock: the impact of gold milling activities in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries; the frequency, cause and extent of fire in the region; the construction and management of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme; the operation of logging activities in the area; and the tourist use of the region for summer and winter recreation. An examination of the hydrological characteristics of the Bogong High Plains Area then followed. Twelve catchments were selected for analysis, ranging in size from 1.35 to 146 square kilometres, and in altitude from 634 to 1922 metres. Differences in the physical, geological, geomorphological and vegetation characteristics were related to the average annual water balances and hydrological variability. A review of the literature on the effects of fire, forestry, mining, tracks and roads, engineering works and grazing on runoff was made preparatory to an assessment of the effect of land use practices on the runoff characteristics of the twelve catchments. Standard hydrological techniques were used to assess the impact on streamflow of bushfire, insect attack, forestry operations, mining activity, road construction, construction works for the hydro scheme, and cattle grazing. Some of the results were unexpected. Although grazing was the land use of longest duration, the long-term trends in streamflow and inter-catchment comparisons based on differential grazing pressures only partially demonstrated grazing had a noticeable impact on runoff characteristics. The effect of fire, forestry, insect attack and mining activity also yielded indeterminate results. By contrast, the construction of roads and the development of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme resulted in statistically significant changes in streamflow characteristics, including runoff volumes, baseflow properties, and the magnitude of flood events. A model of the environmental history of the Bogong High Plains Area is proposed, incorporating trends in climate, fire frequency, vegetation cover, land use activity, and hydrological characteristics. From the model it is suggested that the occupation of the Bogong High Plains Area by Europeans since the 1850s has resulted in irreversible changes to the hydrological regime which predated the period of stream gauge operation and which could only be partially correlated with ecological trends. The model is used to ascertain the hydrological response of catchments to different combinations and intensities of grazing, fire and site disturbance, in association with present and alternative climatologically conditions.