Office for Environmental Programs - Theses
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ItemSocial learning in climate action organizations( 2001)This study examines the process of social learning in climate action organizations by taking Climate Action Institute (CAI) as a case study. In CAI, international knowledge and experience about climate solutions (e.g. renewable energy technology) were recontextualized into practical solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Australia. This knowledge is then reproduced to make it accessible and understandable to the public. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with seven active members of CAI. The data was analysed using Bernstein's framework of `pedagogic device' and knowledge structure, combined with Maton's framework of knower structure and `Legitimation Code Theory' (LCT) of specialisation. This study found that the process of social learning in CAI is affected by its knowledge and knower structure. The horizontal knower structure provides advantages to the process of social learning in CAI because it supports agency and flexibility of people involved in this process. The study also found that the use of `vertical' or specialised language in organisational communication may constrain the social learning at CAI, considering that CM has a diverse membership base. Hence, the process of social learning in CAI, particularly in the process of recontextualisation and reproduction, can be enhanced or constrained by some key factors: (a) the ability of its members to "translate" the `vertical discourse' or specialised knowledge in a way that is accessible to other members (i.e. horizontal discourse); (b) the ability of CAI to allocate the `right knowledge' and `the right knower' involved in these processes; and (c) the degree of freedom and flexibility to express the idea. Contributions of the thesis to the literature include: the application of sociology of education to the social learning field; the novel application of a combination of Bernstein's pedagogic device and Maton's LCT specialisation to social learning; and an introduction of a model of LCT in the process of knowledge recontextualisation and reproduction.
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ItemCommunity reactions towards wind farms in Victoria, Australia: a comparative study between an inland and coastal site( 2004)Wind energy is a promising alternative to energy forms that contribute to global and regional environmental problems such as climate change and air pollution. The industry is now the fastest growing energy technology in the world (SEDA, 2002). However wind farm proposals often struggle to gain public acceptance. Commonly held perceptions regarding wind farms were explored in order to provide the background for understanding community reactions. Two operational Victorian wind farms were presented as case studies to identify the key circumstances that influence the local reactions. The Toora wind farm in South Gippsland received mixed local support whilst the Challicum Hills wind farms, in central western Victoria received overwhelming support from the local community. The location of the two wind farms appeared to play a key role in influencing community attitudes, the coastal location attracting greater negative reactions than the inland location. The idea that the communities' reactions were correlated with the values attributed to the landscape was explored, drawing on the link with visual impact as a key negative perception. Understanding and managing negative perceptions regarding visual amenity and considering the values attributed to landscapes by local communities are important in ensuring the success of future wind farm proposals in Victoria.
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ItemDesign for persistence: graph-based connectivity, habitat reserves and species persistence( 2007)Connectivity is widely thought to play a key role in the persistence of metapopulations. However, there is no generally accepted approach to measuring connectivity in landscapes. Current reserve selection algorithms tend to focus on clustering habitat sites as an approach to maximising connectivity. An alternative approach to understanding connectivity is, however, to focus on the spatial configuration of habitat patches in a landscape. In this study, graph methods are used to represent habitat networks and investigate the relationship between spatial configuration and the flow of species moving across the network. Betweenness Centrality, a graph metric designed to measure the proportion of traffic passing through any node in a network, is applied in modified form as a reserve selection algorithm. The performance of reserves selected using Betweenness Centrality is assessed against species persistence measures from the metapopulation model RAMAS and compared to equivalent reserve selections for other well known reserve selection algorithms. Within the limited set of cases considered, this study found that Betweenness Centrality has a high degree of success in designing reserves for species with high dispersal characteristics, but is unable to predict appropriate reserve sites for low or non-dispersing species. Further directions for research in the field are suggested, with an emphasis on rigorously validating this type of approach to understanding connectivity.
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ItemA population viability analysis (PVA) for Eastern Sarus Crane, Grus antigone sharpii( 2005)The Sarus Crane Grus antigone (Linnaeus, 1758), a wetland bird species in South East Asia and Northern Australia, is currently listed as a globally vulnerable species. A subspecies of this bird, the Eastern Sarus Crane G. a. sharpii is distributed in the lower Mekong basin, South East Asia and is considered endangered due to its small population size, about 500-1000 individuals, inappropriate reserve management, and the intense development pressures in the region. A population viability analysis (PVA) of the birds may help managers to comprehend the processes governing the population dynamics and then highlight needs for future conservation, management, and research activities. Part 1 of this paper provides requisite data for the Eastern Sarus Cranes' PVA, including estimates of population abundance, survival and fecundity rates, and the carrying capacity of the area supporting the population. These data were obtained from fieldwork between the years 2001 and 2004 by the author and from a review of the literature. Part 2 is the description and simulations of the PVA models. Three stage-based demographic models of the population were run in RAMAS/Metapop 4.0 (Akcakaya 2002) to understand structural sensitivities of the models. Different scenarios were then run on the complete model to investigate the effects that each of them has on the model outcomes. The compiled data were also parameterised and simulated in VORTEX 9.5 (Lacy et al. 2005) to compare the risk estimates made by the two modelling packages. Part 3 involves discussions and conclusions of the results from the PVA models and proposals of management and conservation actions for the population. Although habitat loss has been considered the most threatening process to the population, the models were particularly sensitive to changes of poaching activities on the population. It is therefore suggested that improved population management is the most cost-effective option for the conservation of the endangered subspecies in the near future.
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ItemDistribution and abundance of five threatened marsupials at Mount Rothwell( 2005)The conservation and management of Australia's threatened marsupials must be based on a sound knowledge of their biology and ecology. Two aspects of ecology, distribution and abundance, are of particular importance. This study examined the distribution and abundance of five species reintroduced at Mt Rothwell. A brief examination was also made of each species' sex ratio and general condition. Data was collected via a markrecapture survey, and analysed using the MARK computer program and Arcview mapping software. An estimated 164 +-28 Rufous Bettong (Aepyprymnus rufescens) inhabit Mt Rothwell and were trapped predominantly in grassland habitat. Although the population size of Eastern Quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus) could not be reliably estimated, it is assumed to consist of 20 individuals, almost all found in the grasslands. Southern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus) were the most populous species, with 289 +- 82 individuals inhabiting both woodland and grassland habitats. There was insufficient data to estimate the population size of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot (Perameles gunnii), but fourteen individuals were released one year ago, and all trapped individuals were in the grasslands. Conversely, Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorous tridactylus), estimated at 30 +- 12 individuals, were found exclusively in woodland habitat. The results of this study will provide baseline information necessary for future management decisions, and will be of great benefit to the conservation of these species at Mt Rothwell.
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ItemA comparative analysis of the BushTender and Stormwater Tender( 2008)Urban stormwater is well known to have a degrading effect on urban waterways.' It is now accepted that the incorporation of integrated water cycle management into urban design is essential for urban sustainability. The Storm water Tender, a project in Mt. Evelyn, Melbourne, plans to demonstrate the synergies between providing an augmented supply of water and reducing the frequency of runoff events in a catchment retrofit of Water Sensitive Urban Design. To improve the cost-effectiveness of this project the Storm water Tender has developed a novel economic instrument which uses an auction-based approach to maximise public/private investment in rainwater tanks. The Storm water Tender was adapted from the Bush Tender and this research considers transposing a tender from a rural to urban environment as similar to bringing a new product to market. For this reason, the Bush Tender and Storm water Tender are contrasted through a simplified business analytics framework which analyses the respective Organisation, Process, Market, Engagement and Feedback processes inherent in each tender. This research found that the Bush Tender and Storm water Tender are not equivalent processes and that they operate in different markets. The paper concludes with some suggestions of how to improve urban community engagement processes to increase the uptake of rainwater tanks.
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ItemMarine litter in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park: analysis and recommendations for action( 2008)Duplicate 100m transect surveys were carried out on the islands of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Malaysia, in order to quantify and classify anthropogenic marine debris in the area. The mean level of contamination was identified as 17 items m-1 and this was found to be higher than contamination levels acknowledged in several similar assessments elsewhere. Polystyrene fragments and plastics, primarily beverage bottles, bags and food wrappers dominated the litter collected, accounting for 87.22% of the total. Fishing related debris was uncommon. The mixed use potential of certain common objects created difficulties in establishing identifiable litter sources. Although it appeared that most litter resulted from the activities of island inhabitants, debris outflow from mainland areas such as Semporna is also a likely litter input to the TSMP. A lack of education and environmental awareness in the region, combined with inadequate waste management systems appears to intensify the problems caused by substances such as plastic when they are improperly disposed of into marine environments. Recommendations are presented in order to meet these shortfalls, focussing on direct litter removal, education and reducing the quantity of persistent pollutants to the area