National Assessment of Catchment Condition - Scoping Study

Product Information

This scoping study has defined a methodology and proposed a work plan to provide a nation wide catchment condition report. The methodology provides flexibility in what is included in the assessment of catchment condition, how the information is integrated to provide measures of catchment condition at various levels of aggregation and how the results are presented. The workplan provides three options for the nation wide assessment of catchment condition. Option 1 uses the simplest conceptual model, with minimal data requirements. Options 2 and 3 have an increased degree of complexity, and align closely with the Matters for Target being developed under the National NRM M&E framework.

The report will allow current natural resource management investment strategies to be placed in the context of overall catchment condition by providing information on the condition of a catchment relative to a desired condition and relative to other catchments. This information can be provided at all levels from an overall summary down to individual components of condition such as specific aspects of water quality. It will allow questions to be addressed such as ‘Are NRM programs targeting components most in need of improvement?’ and ‘Are NRM programs targeting one set of components while overlooking others?’ NRM investment strategies can also influence the content of the report. If investment strategies are targeting a particular component of condition, then this component is presumably of concern and should be incorporated into a catchment condition report. A nation wide integrated catchment condition report will document the cumulative impact of all policies, programs and strategies and will not, in general, be able to distinguish the impact of any individual investment.