School of Geography - Theses
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ItemIdentifying the real monetary cost of Eildon's water( 1999)In order to understand the real monetary cost of water supply from an impoundment like Eildon Dam there needs to be clear definition of the various costs and benefits associated with it's supply. Some costs, relate to downstream environmental impacts and are difficult to define whilst some benefits like recreational benefits are deemed "non marketable" and are not normally accounted for. This study attempted to explore the different costs and benefits associated with Eildon's water over various time periods, and analyse key cost benefit factors asset value and recreational costs and benefits. An attempt was made to investigate the real monetary cost of Eildon's water and also determine the feasibility of charges being set for recreational use. Review of the costs of Eildon's water revealed that prior to 1994 only maintenance and operational costs had been covered by water tariffs and currently full environmental and recreational costs were not being charged. The real monetary cost of Eildon's water was found to be $3.12/ML and the value of recreation was found via the Travel Cost method to be worth $8.73million / annum although it is important to recognise that their are many non marketable recreational benefits like social and community benefits that make the lake far more valuable than just this. The study concluded that recreational users should pay for their use of Lake Eildon based on the user pays system, with charges weighted towards high impact users like water skiers. It was felt that a charge of $10 per day was affordable by water skiers and would not restrict this activity.
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ItemA study of the integration of science and park management in Victoria with reference to scientific mandates for national parks agencies in the United States and Canada( 1999)Managing for competing uses within national parks has become increasingly difficult. Recreation and preservation are two uses for which national park managers must provide, however, to provide for both presents a dilemma. Recreational uses often lead to degradation of a park's natural resources, and therefore, compromises the preservation of the park. How should managers make their decisions? This thesis proposes that managers should formulate their management strategies using a scientific framework of data gathering and monitoring in the decision-making process. Management decisions should be based upon what provides the least amount of degradation to the park's natural resources. True knowledge upon which managers can make their decisions comes from a (1) scientific understanding of the park's ecosystems and (2) the impacts upon those ecosystems. Science provides the necessary information that leads to better knowledge of the parks resources. However, science has not always been incorporated in the management process. This thesis details why science is important and the reasons it has not been thoroughly integrated into the park's management process. It critiques the present-day integration of science in Victorian national park management, as well as Parks Victoria's management strategies. The thesis also examines the history of science and its integration into national park management by Victorian, the United States and Canadian agencies and the current attitude toward the integration of science and national park management within the three agencies. Several key figures in national park management were interviewed, and from these interviews, a story detailing the state of science in national parks developed.
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ItemMorphodynamics of a small inlet on the southwest coast of Victoria: a study of the Hopkins Inlet, Warrnambool (1996-97)( 1999)Tidal inlets are one of the most dynamic features of the world's coastlines (Dyer, 1995; Davis Jr, 1996). Since the 1960s, the majority of inlet studies have focused upon the variability, or morphodynamies, of larger features over many years and decades. But recent findings by Kench and Parnell (1991); Hume and Herdendorf (1992) and Kench (1996) show that the temporal variability of small inlets (<100m in diameter) is extremely short compared to the rate of physical change experienced in larger features. This evidence has serious implications for the existing knowledge of inlet morphodynamics. In Australia, the existing knowledge of tidal inlets is limited to the study of larger features occurring along the coasts of New South Wales, Western Australia and Victoria. Although there are a number of studies on smaller inlets, this research has largely concentrated on the geological evolution of the barrier-island coasts of south east Australia. This represents a serious gap in the knowledge required to adequately understand the stability of small-scale inlets under Australian conditions. Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to analyse the morphodynamics of a small-scale inlet on the south west coast of the Victoria, Australia.
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ItemMunicipal water use for irrigation in Victoria, Australia( 1998)Recent water industry reforms, pressure for ecologically sustainable development (ESD) and administrative changes to local government such as the introduction of compulsory competitive tendering (CCT) have the potential to affect municipal water use in Victoria. This thesis examines how local governments in Victoria manage water used for irrigation of council green areas. Global and Australian water issues, local government in Australia, ESD and local government water management, and Victoria's water industry and pricing system are discussed. Forty five councils in Victoria completed the survey `Municipal Water Use for Irrigation'. Results indicate that water use is becoming increasingly important to local government and the perceived need for water conservation is driven by both economic and environmental factors. Pressure for ESD is having an impact on municipal water use, particularly as many councils develop environmental management strategies or similar policies. Recent State Government reforms to the water industry, including changes to water pricing and charges for water use, are likely to have an affect on future consumption levels. Changes to the operational structure of local government in recent times, particularly the introduction of CCT, are also having an impact on water management. Councils reponses to CCT were mixed; some saying it created opportunities for improved water management, while others felt it gave them less control over water use. However, CCT has probably not been in operation long enough for its effect to be fully gauged. Councils are beginning to implement strategies for water conservation, including the application of xeriscape principles to council landscapes and improved horticultural practices and irrigation management. Further work is required at a local government level before significant reductions in water use can occur. This includes an audit of council water use, the development of water management strategies, improved landscape management practices and community education.
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ItemEnvironment improvement plans: an assessment( 1998)Environment Improvement Plans (EIPs) are. documents produced by individual companies with input from the local community, council and the Victorian Environment Protection Authority. These have been put forward as forums that allow for public participation. This thesis seeks to assess the various aspects of the Environment Improvement Plan (EIP) such as its success as a public participation fomm. At a theoretical level this study is informed by literature about the definition, emergence and evaluation of public participation in environmental decision making. Using the latter group of theories, criteria for the evaluation of EIPs are developed. The assessment of EIPs is carried out using a case study, the West Metropolitan Region of Melbourne. Twelve companies in this region have undertaken an EIP. Through stmctured questionnaires, direct observation and relevant publications, data was obtained which offered some insight into the EIPs. There are two parts to an EIP: a plan and a process. It is developed and implemented through the Community Liaison Committee. The study has found that there is considerable variation among the EIPs and Community Liaison Committees in the study area. This is so because of a lack of standardisation. As a forum for communication, the process provides both information and continuous face to face contact but fails to empower the participants, that has given them more credibility. In addition, their future success is threatened by a lack of community interest. Moreover, having an EIP does not bring an end to community complaints. These drawbacks and limitations need to be understood before Environment Improvement Plans are taken up by more firms. This is not to say that the EIP process is not without benefits. Environment Improvement Plans have helped in improving the relations between the various groups. Furthermore, in recent years, EIPs have been linked to the Accredited Licensee System. Nevertheless, it is clear that there is scope for improvement in the area of environment planning. This thesis evaluates the EIPs and suggests improvements.
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ItemAsian migration and changing employment and occupation in Melbourne( 1997)This thesis examines the employment and occupation of South Asian migrants in Melbourne. To this end, census and cross sectional data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Bureau of Immigration and Population Research (0FR) as well as the survey data collected for this study, are used. In this study special attention is paid to South Asian migrants in terms of their demographic and economic characteristics, occupational adjustment, job quality and process of self-employment. The analysis of South Asian migrants is made according to birthplace, gender and policy category under which they enter into Australia. In examining the South Asian migrants, the study reviews the relevant literature and existing theories and models about their economic success and occupational adjustment overseas and in Australia. In this regard the main factors that influence migrants' occupational adjustment and economic success in the host country have been identified at and applied to the study of South Asian migrants in Melbourne. The study also reviews the Victorian economy in this context. The study describes demographic and economic characteristics, general flow and skill composition of South Asian migrants in Australia. According to the BIPR and survey data, most of the migrants from Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka are professional and came under the skill migration category. The data also show that South Asian migrants are distinctively different from other non-English speaking background migrants or other Asian migrants in respect of education, professional and occupational backgrounds and skills. The study examines transition and occupational adjustment, quality of jobs and experience of unemployment held by South Asian migrants in the local labour market. The data reveal that the majority of the qualified migrants from Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka have adjusted well in their own profession through a sequence of jobs. A considerable number have regained either the same or higher status jobs compared to their pre-migration position. Although a considerable number of South Asian migrants have adjusted into occupations similar to their pre-migration occupations, the data show that they in fact status lost. The data also provide evidence that a significant number of migrants have shifted from professional and managerial to non-professional blue collar jobs in the process of their occupational adjustment in Melbourne. The findings reveal that the economic success and occupational adjustment of the migrants in the labour market vary according to birthplace and gender. Although the statistical test indicated that there is no significant difference between the present occupation status and policy category of the migrants, the chi square test indicates that there is some difference between birthplace groups in terms of the distribution of migrants' present occupation and industry. The chi-square test confirmed the significant difference between gender in terms of the distribution of migrants' present occupation. The evidence also shows that a significant number have not been able to enter the labour market since their arrival in Australia and were not able to utilise their professional, technical and academic skills.The study also examines the experiences of self-employed South Asian migrants. Again, the evidence suggests that the majority of these migrants are able to utilise their skills and potentials in their business. However, the case studies indicate that the career advancement of some migrants has been blocked due to this self-employment. The study also analyses the influence of structural change, particularly changes in employment and labour force characteristics, upon the participation of Asian migrants in different industries and occupations. The evidence reveals that South Asian migrants have been affected in terms of their participation according to industry and occupation due to the structural changes occurred in the 10 years to 1996. In conclusion, the study of South Asian migrants discussed relevant theories and models in the light of ABS and survey data. The examination of these data provides evidence that the human capital of migrants plays a significant role in their economic success and occupational adjustment particularly in terms of income and /or employment. In this regard they are able to utilise their skills and potentials in the local labour market. However, the theory of migrants has not paid attention to occupational status which this study identifies as an important indicator for economic success and occupational adjustment of South Asian migrants. The theory of migrants mainly focused on the overall labour market outcomes of the migrants in relation to employment, income differences, participation and unemployment rates.
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ItemStakeholders' perceptions of the management of groundwater contamination in Altona, Melbourne: is there a problem?( 1997)The problem of chemical groundwater contamination in Altona has been well documented since 1962 (State Development Committee, 1962). A basalt hosted, upper most aquifer, approximately ten meters from the surface, has been the focus of investigation by the Altona Chemical Complex since the late 1980s. Currently, a contamination plume, containing known carcinogens and mutagens, extends from the Altona Chemical Complex approximately two kilometers to beneath wetlands and residents' homes (GTA, 1996). The existence of such toxic compounds, potentially in contact with biological receptors, warrants investigation into the adequacy of the current management of groundwater contamination in Altona. Interviews were conducted to analyse the perceptions of twenty eight representatives from Altona residents; the petroleum and chemical companies of Altona; the Environment Protection Authority of Victoria; City West Water (water supply company); the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment; environmental assessment and remediation consultancies; environmental pressure groups; Federal, State and local political representatives; academia; banking; and real estate agent stakeholders. Based upon the perceptions of these stakeholders and with reference to supporting literature, this thesis examines the processes of the current management of groundwater contamination with respect to, management effectiveness, management motives, adherence to the precautionary principle, intergenerational equity and compliance to ecologically sustainable development. Analysis of the interviews determined that the management of the groundwater contamination issue was effectively in the hands of the Altona Chemical Complex, with the EPA, albeit with limited resources, facilitating and reviewing works being carried out. The existence of unregistered domestic bores and a lack hydrogeological knowledge indicated that the risk to public health and the ecological environment had not been adequately defined, despite Altona Chemical Complex claims to the contrary (EVS, 1996). In addition, the current management system was found to favour chemical industry management interests as they are the most influential stakeholder. These uncertainties and conflicting motives render the current management strategy inadequate as the precautionary principle was not utilised, intergenerational equity was not safeguarded and ecologically sustainable development was not being practiced. The ramification of the current management of groundwater contamination in Altona is that while action now may appear to be cost effective, the longer term consequences for the Altona Chemical Complex, public health and the ecological environment may not be affordable. iii
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ItemStudents welfare co-ordinators' responses to homeless students in the south eastern educational region( 1997)School is an institution with which all members of society have contact at some stage in their lives. Next to the family, school is an important institution which has the opportunity to communicate with and support young Victorians. When young people can no longer rely upon their family for support, the school has the potential to act as a surrogate family. Student Welfare Co-ordinators are the people in Victorian schools who are more likely to deal with students who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless than anyone else in the school. There is little known about their attitudes and responses towards homeless young people, or their perceptions of their role. An understanding about the response students receive from their school's Student Welfare Co-ordinator is a necessary first step in gaining an insight into the role and the relationship schools have with homeless students and those at risk of becoming homeless. This thesis explores Student Welfare Co-ordinators' responses when dealing with students in their schools who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. It examines their responses in the context of how they define homelessness and their overall perceptions of homeless young people. Ten Student Welfare Co-ordinators in the South Eastern educational region were interviewed, along with six homeless students living in supported accommodation in the region. The responses of Student Welfare Co-ordinators to homeless students, and those at risk were grouped into four broad categories: the referral; the mental health; the locksmith; and the mediation group. Each category of response was examined in relation to Student Welfare Co-ordinators' assumptions about their particular training and their definition of homelessness. The overall finding was that Student Welfare Co-ordinators were not guided by the individual needs and circumstances of homeless students or those at risk of becoming homeless, but by their particular ideologies and training.
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ItemThe regulation of dolphin tourism in Port Phillip Bay( 1997)This report investigates whether there is a need to take a more regulated approach to the conduct of dolphin tourism in Port Phillip Bay. This was achieved by seeking the views of interest groups and through an assessment of dolphin management experience in Australia and overseas. Views from respondents were received on the adequacy of the current voluntary Code of Practice for Dolphin Tour Operators in Port Phillip Bay, whether they believe dolphins suffered disturbance as a result of current tourism practices and whether there should be compulsory licensing of dolphin tour operators. The findings of this investigation were used to assess whether a more regulated approach to dolphin tour management is required to limit disturbance to the Port Phillip Bay dolphin population. The report reviews recent research which indicates that dolphins can become disturbed by unfettered and continued unwanted human interaction. It is believed that such disturbance can flow onto the dolphin population as a whole, however, the long-term effects are not clearly known, and because of this many of the respondents advocated that a precautionary approach be adopted in the management of dolphin tours. The vast majority of interest groups surveyed were of the view that some dolphin tourism practices adversely affect dolphins, particularly when coupled with the affects of harassment by the general public. To minimise such disturbance interest groups overwhelmingly supported a more regulated approach to govern dolphin tours. This approach included the incorporation of dolphin tour regulations into legislation and the introduction of a licensing system for dolphin tour operators. The main elements of the proposed dolphin regulations advocated by respondents would, at a minimum, include a consistent approach to the development of quality interpretive material, limitations on the type and number interactions and the adoption of general environmental management guidelines. To limit disturbance to the Port Phillip Bay dolphins from tour boats and the general public (particularly during peak Summer periods), it is proposed that Ticonderoga Bay at Point Nepean be proclaimed a 'no go' area (which would be an extension in protection to its current status) and that there be a limit to the number of dolphin tour operator licences. A national approach, in cooperation with states and territories, to the development of dolphin legislation is also advocated to ensure a consistency and transparency of the management of dolphin-based tourism throughout Australia.
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ItemCommunities of resistance: the closure of schools in Victoria, 1992-1994( 1996)The role of discourse in campaigns of local resistance to the Government has been neglected in most analyses of community protest. This thesis examines the way in which community resistance to the Victorian Government's policy of school closures has been constructed through discourse. In particular, this study demonstrates how discourses were strategically mobilised in the protests over the closures of the Fitzroy, Richmond and Northland Secondary Colleges. It is argued that constructions of community, race and gender were employed to counter the dominant economic discourse of the Liberal Government. This study also illustrates how notions of power and class were evoked to emphasise the unity and sense of purpose of the protest groups.