School of Geography - Theses

Permanent URI for this collection

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    Identifying the real monetary cost of Eildon's water
    Hoatson, Grant ( 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.
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    Municipal water use for irrigation in Victoria, Australia
    Evans, Andrew Reginald ( 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.
  • Item