A waterways management framework for Western Australia

Abstract

The State of Western Australia (WA) occupies one third of the Australian continent. The hydro-climate varies enormously from the tropical monsoon region in the north; through an erratic, semi-arid climate of the northwest and interior; to temperate regions of the south. Most waterways in the State are intermittent, with summer flow in the north, winter flow in the south and ephemeral flows in the northwest. Perennial streams are comparatively rare geographically. For much of WA there is insufficient water quality and riparian vegetation condition data to make comprehensive, objective assessments of the health of waterways. In many parts of the State, a comprehensive assessment of the values ..