School of Geography - Theses
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ItemAlternative community states in reservoirs of the Central Highlands region( 2001)The occurrence of nuisance algae within reservoirs of the Central Highlands region is a problem facing Central Highlands Water and the communities they serve. Therefore, there is a need to know how to manage this threat. Management of the causal factors contributing to the development of algal blooms within the Central Highlands region, and Victoria as a whole, has tended to focus on reducing nutrient loads into the system. However, in shallow lakes nutrient control alone is often ineffective in managing the undesirable effects of eutrophication including algal blooms. The main reason for this is thought to be due to existence of alternative clear, macrophyte-dominated and turbid, phytoplankton-dominated stable states in shallow freshwater systems. This thesis presents analyses of two field studies carried out to investigate the alternative stable states hypothesis on shallow reservoirs of the Central Highlands region. First an assessment of spatial variation in chlorophyll a, macrophyte abundance and key growth regulating variables has shown that within reservoir spatial variation that is often assumed to be insignificant, is significant. Such spatial variation can lead to different conclusions being drawn regarding the application of ecological models and processes that may have caused observed patterns. Consequently, an appreciation of the effects of scale is vital to ensure ecological models, such as the theory of alternative stable states, are applied correctly and the outcomes of field experiments are not confounded by spatial variation. Second an investigation of shallow reservoirs of the Central Highlands region revealed that the presence of macrophytes is associated with low algal biomass. Parallels were drawn between study sites and the model of phase changes of shallow lakes undergoing eutrophication (Moss et al., 1996). A majority of reservoirs were characterised as potentially being within the clear, macrophyte-dominated alternative state, either in the unique clear Phase I or transitional Phase n. However, several reservoirs of the Central Highlands region did not bear a resemblance to any of the alternative states (phases) identified in the literature. Accordingly, it can be concluded that reservoirs of the Central Highlands region may support alternative states but that phase changes used to describe communities of the Northern Hemisphere lakes need to be modified to suit Australian conditions. This study emphasises the need to adopt a holistic approach to managing the undesirable effect of eutrophication such as algal blooms. Within the Central Highlands region a holistic approach should include management of the macrophyte communities, water level manipulation and potentially biomanipulation in addition to nutrient control.
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ItemThe relationship between shell shape and reproductive investment: can shell shape be used as a management tool for the Victorian abalone fishery?( 2005)Given the immense value of the Victorian abalone fishery, and the collapse of many commercial abalone fisheries worldwide, it is surprising that so few management tools for sustainability are currently employed by the Victorian fishery. This study considers shell shape as an alternative management tool for sustainability for the Victorian abalone fishery. Considering that the shell constrains the size of the gonad in abalone, shell shape has the potential to be an indicator of fecundity and this is the first study to test this relationship. The hypothesis tested is that abalone that have rounder and higher shells would have higher fecundity than abalone with flatter, more oblong shells of the same length. The results of this present study appear inconclusive with respect to the value of shell shape as potential indicator of fecundity, and may be a function of poor sampling technique with respect to sample size, range of sizes sampled or the fact that areas were combined.
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ItemA population model for the spot-tailed quoll( 2007)This project describes the construction of a population model for the spot-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus). The modelling uses the stochastic population modelling software ESSE1VTL4L (Endangered Species Survival and Extinction Analysis) (Todd et al., 2001). The model takes an age classified approach (Caswell, 2001), modelling yearly age classes, and is based on available data on survival, fecundity, and dispersal, and incorporating the effect of density dependence. The model is based on all available demographic data for this species. Much of the data is specific to the Badja and Tallaganda State Forest regions of southern NSW (eg. Belcher, 2003), and the model is designed to apply specifically to quoll populations located in this area. Some of the most detailed data available concerns the Northern Spot-tailed quoll D. m. gracilis (Burnett, 2000), which is closely related to D. m. maculatus and exhibits similar ecological traits to the southern quolls, but is significantly smaller and has a shorter life span.
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ItemThe nature and extent of five serious weeds on private land in the municipality of Wyndham( 2000)No abstract available
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ItemMining, social conflict and trust: experimental evidence from Peru( 2008)Given the role of mining in Peru's macro-economic development, improving coordination between the mining industry and communities is central to realising welfare gains from their exchange. A key aspect of this coordination is trust and trustworthiness between these stakeholders. However lack of trust has been characterised as the defining trait of the mining sector in Peru, and social conflicts are increasing. This paper empirically investigates the level of trust in a regional community in Peru with active social conflicts through a trust game. It also examines the correlation between conflict, perceptions and trust by combing the economics experiment with a three-part survey. It is found that trusting behaviour is indeed exhibited in a regional mining community with social conflict. However the existence of active social conflicts attributable to mining in the region did not correlate with a negative perception of mining. The results have important implications for the approach to building trust by the mining sector, to reduce transaction costs and improve micro-economic outcomes for communities.
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ItemMapping and predicting salinity using a geographic information system( 2003)This project studies a portion of the Lake Wellington catchment, between the La Trobe and Avon rivers, to the northwest of Lake Wellington. The aim of the study is to investigate the use of a Geographic Information System, in this case ArcView, to map existing and predict possible future occurrence of dryland salinity. In order to achieve the aims of the study four models were developed. The first model involved an assessment of the groundwater table levels to determine recharge and discharge areas within the catchment. The second model evaluated evaporation and rainfall to also help determine their influence on the recharge and discharge processes in the catchment. The third model assessed the physical characteristics of the landscape, specifically, elevation and soil types particularly clay content. The fourth and last model was salinity prediction, which was carried out based on rainfall, evaporation, clay content and the slope as well as existing water tables to determine the areas at risk of salinity. Results obtained show that the eastern part of the catchment has relatively shallow tables as compared to the west, irrespective of the season. This means that the eastern part of the catchment is mainly a discharge area , hence suffers from salinity. The the west on the other hand is predominantly a recharge area, evidenced by deeper water tables. The study also indicates that the east of the catchment, which is also relatively shallow experiences increased amounts of moisture loss through evaporation, and low rainfall levels. The west on the other hand is deeper, experiences lower evaporation and high levels of precipitation. Another finding was that the east and south east is relatively flat compared to the north, and recharge areas have soils with higher clay content compared to the discharge zones. Prediction results however portray a different picture. On average, the entire study area is prone to salinity, with the north and north western parts at medium level salinity risk. The south and south east on the other hand is at a higher risk level as evidenced by slightly shallow tables as compared to the north. Right in the centre of the study area is a high level discharge area with relatively shallower water tables, and at high risk of salinity. There are also pockets of high level recharge areas in the centre of the study area. These are not likely to suffer from salinity as they are comparatively deep.
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ItemThe impact of upfront fees and HECS on the decisions of psychology graduates regarding postgraduate study( 2001)The aim of this project was to find out whether psychology graduates are deterred from enrolling in a postgraduate coursework degree by the costs (upfront fees, HECS charges or existing HECS debts). A questionnaire was mailed to 192 fourth year psychology graduates of 1-5 years' standing, asking them about their decisions regarding postgraduate study and the reasons behind these decisions. There were 80 respondents and of the 53 who were enrolled or likely to enrol in postgraduate coursework degrees, 43 per cent found the costs, particularly upfront fees, to be a major obstacle. Among those not enrolling (n = 24), 25 per cent were deterred by the upfront fees, but an existing HECS debt did not appear to be an important factor. It was not possible to determine whether the designated equity groups were more sensitive than others to the costs of study. In conclusion, it appears that for a substantial proportion of the psychology graduates surveyed, upfront fees present a significant deterrent to enrolment in postgraduate coursework degrees.
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ItemCommunity involvement in health care interventions in rural Fiji( 2001)The thesis aims to identify how community development is supported in health care interventions in rural Fiji, through the assessment of key processes that enable community involvement in health development. To address the aim, two case studies are examined, the Kadavu Rural Health Project (KRHP), and the Taveuni Community Health Project (TCHP). The KRHP facilitated community involvement in health (CIH) as related to the Small Grants Scheme, health promotion activities and the training of community members including Community Health Workers (CHWs). An Evaluation of the project confirmed that community participation had been sustained three years after the project's completion. Utilising the lessons learned from the KRHP, the TCHP is likewise seeking active engagement with CHWs and Village Health Committees, and has recently assisted communities to develop "Community Action Plans" for social mobilisation and community development in health care, in particular, environmental and public health. The case studies point to a multitude of factors supporting CIH, including a conducive national political context, the establishment of village health committees and training of community health workers. Weaknesses were identified in the lack of research into how differing local understandings of health and CIH may influence development processes, and the limited participation of some sectors of the community. Engaging with communities is undoubtedly complex in relation to social, cultural, economic, political and environmental factors that may or may not support health promotive principles. Due to the critical importance of CIH to the success of the project outcomes, the TCHP must employ an adequate, ongoing monitoring system in consultation with communities. Findings of the thesis contribute to the body of knowledge surrounding CIH in the Pacific, and point to methodological issues of engaging CIH.
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ItemThe impact of species rarity on the predictive power of avian habitat models( 2002)No abstract available
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ItemRole of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in minimizing the effects of natural hazards in South Asia: with particular reference to floods in Pakistan( 2000)The thesis "ROLE OF SAARC IN MINIMIZING THE EFFECTS OF NATURAL HAZARDS IN SOUTH ASIA" has two basic objectives: to make an attempt to address the flood problems faced by the South Asian region, and to evaluate the efforts of SAARC to manage those crises on the regional basis. South Asian countries have been sharing common environmental problems since last many decades. The adverse political relations and non-cooperative attitude had apparently debarred these countries of making any serious attempt towards making combined efforts for common relief measures prior to 1985. In 1985 South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established as first and positive step towards this direction. Fifteen years later, despite the establishment of SAARC at the highest possible forum, general impression remains that countries have not been able to benefit from the forum. This study has investigated into the operational efficiency of SAARC and its impacts on member countries. The study concludes that SAARC has played some positive role in developing policies by the virtue of which its member countries can benefit in mitigating environmental hazards. However, SAARC has lacked in forcing its member countries to openly cooperate and take joint action plans to collectively resolve environmental issues for the common interest of their people.