School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences - Theses
Permanent URI for this collection
Search Results
1 - 6 of 6
-
ItemA microcomputer application of the FORest PLANning (FORPLAN) model to Australian Forestry( 1994)The FORest PLANning model (FORPLAN) has been studied and applied to Australian native forests since the late 1980s. One of the most successful and typical applications of FORPLAN to Australian native forests is the Otway Forest Management Planning Project developed by the co-operation of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Victoria and the Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies, Australian National University. This FORPLAN model was implemented on a VAX mainframe computer system. However, FORPLAN models can also be implemented on a PC computer. A PC version of FORPLAN has recently been developed by the Land Management Planning Systems Section, USDA Forest Service, Fort Collins, CO. In order to test the implementation of FORPLAN run on a microcomputer system, a FORPLAN model was developed for the Upper Barwon forest, which is one of ten management units of the Otway forests, based on an integrated multiple-use management approach. For this purpose, both a knowledge of linear programming techniques, and a knowledge of how to implement and utilize FORPLAN on a PC computer are required. The acquisition and application of such knowledge using data consistent with the original Otway FORPLAN model forms the subject of research described in this thesis.
-
ItemStochastic structured models for Banksia goodii and Anas rhynchotis rhynchotis populations( 1994)Models were constructed for Banksia goodii and Anas rhynchotis rhynchotis in the hope that they may be useful for the management of the species. Banksia goodii is an endangered plant species distributed in Western Australia. Anas rhynchotis rhynchotis is a native duck species under harvesting management in Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. All simulations in both models were carried out using the RAMAS/stage program, developed by Ferson (1992; see Appendix 3). The Anas rhynchotis rhynchotis model is stochastic, structured, two-sex, and discrete. It assumes that the populations in eastern Australia and Tasmania are a single population. The stages include male juveniles, female juveniles, male adults, and female adults. Parameters were estimated based on personal communications and published data for the species or were inferred from other related species. The hatching rate, female juvenile survival, female adult survival, sex-ratio of new offspring, and proportion of number of breeding pairs which breed during breeding season are important and should be estimated as precisely as possible. A hunting rate of below 0.03 may result in a downward population growth trend. A daily bag size of 2 may be too high for the population. The Banksia goodii model is stochastic, structured, and discrete. The stages consist of seedlings, 19 immature stages, and adults. Parameters were determined based on information from B. Lamont and published data. The growth rate of Banksia goodii populations is very slow and is determined very much by survival of adults. The effect of fire on population growth is inhibitive. The species is likely to persist for 50 years but it may not be able to recover from loss of adults. Artificial regeneration via seeding may be helpful for the restoration of adult loss. The adult survival rate and adult survival rate after a fire are important and should be estimated as precisely as possible. A\ model for ramets seems more appropriate than a model for genets. The species needs rehabilitation and protection. Population dynamics modelling should be encouraged in all management of species.
-
Item
-
ItemLogging residue assessment( 1993)A total logging residue assessment system is proposed specifically for application in the Pinus radiata D.Don. (radiata pine) plantations in South Australia and Western Victoria. The choice of line intersect sampling using pseudo-circular sample lines, believed not to have been tried before, ensures a robust sampling technique able to overcome any bias that exists in the alignment of residue following harvesting. An analysis is presented defining the bias and precision obtained from a variety of geometric sample line arrangements and sampling intensities. A cost effective residue sampling system of known efficiency can be implemented as an integral component in an overall yield regulation and control system.
-
Item
-
ItemA review of the principles and practice of wealth taxation( 1994)Australia does not have either an annual net wealth tax or a tax on gifts and inheritances. In this study the taxation of wealth is reviewed. The focus is on the annual net wealth tax, although death taxes also receive some consideration. Drawing on first principles of taxation, the taxation of wealth is examined according to the key criteria for judging tax systems: equity, efficiency, administration and revenue. A comprehensive system of taxing income includes all accretions to wealth, including gifts and bequests. Therefore a separate tax on wealth is necessary if inheritances and gifts are excluded from an income tax system. There are also strong grounds for taxing wealth to achieve horizontal and vertical equity between taxpayers. As well as income earned from wealth, all other benefits that result from wealth ownership represent taxable capacity. Wealth taxes cause efficiency costs by distorting the choices of individuals. As with other taxes such as income and consumption taxes, there is a trade-off between achieving objectives of equity and efficiency. Investigation of the real incidence of wealth taxes reveals that wealth taxes, in the long run, may be borne in part by consumers and by co-factors of production such as labour, as well as by owners of capital. Evidence from the Western European countries that successfully operate an annual net wealth tax indicates that a wealth tax is no more difficult to administer than an income tax. Wealth taxes make a relatively small contribution to the tax revenue of countries that implement them. The potential revenue from an Australian wealth tax would also be relatively small. There is considerable, and it seems increasing, inequality in the distribution of wealth and income in Australia. An objective of wealth taxation is to redress some of the inequality in the distribution of national wealth. Overall, the taxation of wealth is a fundamental part of a balanced tax system. Australia does not have such a tax system.