Research Program Research Project Assessing the social and economic values of Australia’s tropical rivers
The Issue Land & Water Australia has identified Australia’s unique tropical rivers and associated catchments and estuaries as a priority area for major research investment over five years from July 2005. The goal of the new Program is to undertake research and knowledge exchange to support the sustainable use, protection and management of Australia’s tropical rivers (Land & Water Australia’s Research Program website, "Australia’s Tropical Rivers")
CSIRO Research Commissioned as a foundational study for the development of Land & Water Australia’s new Tropical River’s Program, this project identified the social and economic factors influencing the ways in which tropical rivers are used and valued by different groups of people. Research took place through extensive reviews of literature and planning documents, collection of secondary data on social and economic demographics and trends, and community consultation in three regional centres across the tropical savannas of Australia. This project was undertaken by a team from CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems in Darwin and James Cook University. The project was completed in June 2006.
