Assessing the potential for algal blooms in clear water phase tropical rivers

G. Ganf and N. Rea
Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corporation

An assessment of the potential for algal blooms in the Darwin Harbour, Daly River, Bynoe and Roper River catchments NT examined whether the target rivers supported viable inoculum of major algal groups, the potential growth responses of algal populations to nutrient enrichment, the potential for algal populations to persist under a range of discharges and river length, and whether the parameters defining a pseudo P/l curve responded to the alleviation of nutrient stress. Algal blooms can be a serious event and can be caused by agricultural activities within the catchment area. If the Daly River has a high potential for algal blooms then this should be taken into consideration.

Thermal models of TSD under laboratory and field conditions

A. Georges, S. Doody, K. Beggs and J. E. Young
Smithsonian Institute,

Recent studies have demonstrated a remarkable range of interactions between environmental conditions and developmental attributes and outcomes in reptilian eggs. If we look beyond the practical application of these models to ecological implications, the models discussed in this paper yield important insights. They explain why mixed sex ratios occur in more nests than would be expected from the very narrow pivotal temperature range of many species, even in the absence of gradients in mean temperature with depth. The models provide us with more scope for exploring how reptiles with TSD (Temperature-dependent sex determination) might respond to climatic change, latitudinal variation in climate, or other disturbances to the incubation environment, because they identify a range of additional parameters that shallow-nesting species can manipulate in order to compensate for climatic change or variation with latitude.
http://aerg.canberra.edu.au/cgi-bin/pubs_archive.cgi?target=G

Managing for Indigenous cultural values of water in freshwater protected areas

S. Jackson
Inland Rivers Network, 27-28 September 2004

The Indigenous cultural landscape and social catchments within which rivers flow are two facets of the social geography of freshwater protected area policy, which are examined with specific reference to the socio-ecological systems of northern Australian rivers.

Environmental manipulation to avoid a unique predator: Drinking hole excavation in the Agile Wallaby, Macropus agilis Ethology

J. S. Doody, R. Sims and M. Letnic
http://aerg.canberra.edu.au/cgi-bin/pubs_archive.cgi?target=G

The Transport of Pesticide in Surface Runoff from Agricultural Catchments to the Douglas River

N. Peerzada and M. Dilshad
Wheat Research Council,

Katherine Regional Weed Management Strategy 2005-2010

Department of Natural Resources,

Environment and the Arts Weed management is complex enough without trying to deal with coordination across layers of Government, land tenure and land uses in the Katherine region. This strategy will provide a common focus for all land managers and stakeholders to work towards common community issues while also addressing their own priority issues on a property, district or catchment basis through their own plans. It also provides the fundamental framework for succession planning so future land managers and government officers have a documented plan, which will provide direction and focus and prevention of “re-inventing the wheel”. The action plan will also identify gaps, which need to be addressed in the region if weed management is to be successful.
The Katherine Weed Management Strategy’s overriding purpose is to provide a healthier and more productive landscape where the impacts of weeds are minimised. The strategy is pro-active ensuring the Katherine region’s current weed status is maintained or enhanced.

Assessment and Parameterisation of CERES-MAIZE-SAT for the Australian Semi Arid Tropics

J. A. Motha, M. Dilshad and L. J. Peel
Department of Lands Planning and Environment,

Conservation tillage and levy farming in the semi-arid tropics of northern Australia - some economic aspects

G. W. M. Kirby, V. J. Hristova and S. Murti
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 36, 8, 1049-57,

This paper examines some aspects of the economics of conservation tillage and levy farming in the semi-arid tropics of northern Australia. The distribution, value and major trends in the enterprises comprising the agricultural sector of the semi-arid tropics are discussed in an industry context. The aim of this paper is to review the on-farm economic benefits arising from conservation tillage and to assess the short and long term economic benefits likely in the use of levy farming in the semi-arid tropics of northern Australia.

Daly Region Community Reference Group Executive Summary

This report identifies key issues for managing the values and natural resources of the Daly Region and recommends principles, guidelines, processes and actions for dealing with them.
This executive summary contains recommendations from the Community Reference Group, Northern Territory Agricultural Association, NT Cattlemen's Association (NTCA) and the Amateur Fisherman's Association of the NT Inc.

Wangamaty (Lower Daly River) Management Plan

P. van Oosterzee, F. Bob and N. Preece
ECOZ Environmental Services for Wangamaty (Lower Daly) Landcare Group Inc.,

This integrated catchment management (ICM) approach seeks to create close links with Government and have influence over decisions, which relate to this region. The approach has a long-term outlook and, as well as being developed on ICM, also embraces sustainability. Importantly it is a living plan developed on the principles of adaptive management. It aims to identify targets to be achieved over appropriate time frames.

This ICM has produced an adaptive management framework, has recorded in detail the assets and threats, and the key challenges for the Lower Daly area.

Commercial experience in developing levy farming systems for the Katherine-Darwin region, Northern Territory

T. P. Price, F. O'Gara, E. S. C. Smith, R. Pitkethley and P. Hausler
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 36, 8, 1057-67,

This paper examines the past, present and likely future commercial development and adoption of levy farming systems in the Katherine-Darwin region. Producers' current practices, adaptations and the extent to which they have adapted a systems approach are reported. Advantages of levy farming and the constraints til its more rapid adoption are described. Also discussed are aspects of crop, cattle and hay production; weed, insect and plant disease control, and management; on-farm demonstrations and the economics of crop production from the producer's perspective, in the context of levy farming.

Adaptive Management of Ecologically Sustainable Development in the Douglas-Daly Region: The Adaptive Management Plan

Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association
GHD, NTCA and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry
The plan provides a “blueprint” for the conduct of adaptive management in the Douglas-Daly. It documents the area of land and issues over which it has application. It identifies the stakeholders and the procedures they use in conducting management of the plan, in determining their priorities, in establishing adaptive management programmes and in disseminating improved management procedures.
The plan relates to: that area of land defined by the ADMA Farms Area, the Stray Creek blocks, the Tipperary Group of Stations and Jindare Station in the Douglas-Daly Region (Fig. 1); the support industries, residents and school of this part of the Daly River catchment; and the ecological, social and economic relationships between that land and the remainder of the Daly Basin, and the people who live on and/or have a material interest in ensuring the ecologically sustainable development of that land. The adaptive management plan is developed and implemented through consensus among stakeholders. The stakeholders are members of the Douglas Daly Community Development Association Inc.

Copy available for loan at NRETAS and DPI Library

Land degradation associated with sinkhole development in the Katherine region

D. Karp
Department of Infrastructure Planning and Environment, Resource Assessment Branch, February 2002
This project includes the first comprehensive description of sinkholes and their characteristics in the Katherine region. The primary objective of this study is to provide basic information and data aimed at enhancing the understanding of karst topography as it relates to the potential for sinkhole collapses. The project started in July 1999 and was funded jointly by the National Landcare Programme and the Northern Territory Government. Its purpose is to provide the Northern Territory Government Departments and Katherine regional authorities and communities with an overview of karst landscape problems, with particular emphasis on sinkhole collapses.

Observations of specific sinkholes in the Katherine region generated a set of recommendations that are included in this report and should be consulted in conjunction with this summary.

Daly River Catchment, Part 2: Accompany Sub-catchment information

J. J. Faulks
Department of Lands, Planning and Environment

This report contains Daly River sub-catchment information including sub-section maps, river cross-section diagrams and riverine vegetation profiles or lists.

This is the part 2 of the Daly River Catchment report, providing more information on the sub-catchment.

Daly River Catchment, Part 1: An Assessment of the Physical and Ecological Condition of the Daly River and its Major Tributaries

J. J. Faulks
Top End Waterways Project,

The overall aim of the project was to assess, describe and report on the land and water resources of the major waterways in the Katherine Region of the Northern Territory and to prepare for publication a comprehensive report on each of those waterways. Throughout 1995 -1997 the major tributaries within the Daly River and Victoria River catchments were assessed. This report provides an assessment of the Daly River catchment and major tributaries, in terms of the physical and environmental condition of these streams at the time of survey. The use and management of the waterways within the Daly River catchment have been identified,
major river management issues have been highlighted and broad river management recommendations have been proposed.

A report that provides overall summaries on the condition of the Daly River, as well as summaries of the condition of the sub-catchments. Also included are broad management issues and recommendations.

Katherine Downstream Horticultural Water Supply: weirs and offstream storages

J. Paiva
Power and Water Authority, Water Resource Division,

This report describes the preliminary hydrological and engineering feasibility of offstream and weir storages for horticultural water supply, in the Katherine downstream area between Katherine and the Katherine/ King confluence. Offstream storages, in the form of ring tanks were estimated using the 2DAM storage transfer simulation model. For weir storage the extents of area irrigable for different weir heights were obtained using the DAMYIELD storage simulation model. The environmental impacts caused by weir impoundment on the ecology, hydrology and the socio-economic environment of the Katherine downstream area and the need for assessment of same if weir storage is considered, have been discussed.

An analysis of primary production in the Daly River, a relatively unimpacted tropical river in northern Australia

I. Webster, N. Rea, A. Padovan, P. Dostine, S. Townsend and S. Cook
Marine and Freshwater Research 56, 3, 303-316, 2005

The dynamics of primary production in the Daly River in tropical Australia are investigated. The study investigated how primary production and respiration evolve during the period of low flow in the river (April–November). The relationship between primary production and the availability of light and nutrients enabled the role of these factors to be assessed in a clear, oligotrophic tropical river.

Native Vegetation Management: A needs analysis of regional service delivery in Northern Territory - Daly Darwin Tiwi

Greening Australia, Natural Heritage Trust and Bushcare, 2003
This publication lists organisations, groups and individuals who are involved in vegetation management in the Darwin Daly Tiwi Subregion. It details programmes and how many projects were undertaken in 2003. There is also information on key vegetation issues, key documents, key gaps and recommendations. This report is not exclusive to the Daly River, however the Daly River is included in majority of topics. Supplied in this document are the contact details for a large range of organisations, which will be able to assist with further information certain areas.

No-tillage planters for heavy-textured Alfisols in the semi-arid tropics of Australia

N. S. Gould, D. C. I. Peake and N. P. Dalgliesh
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 36, 8, 957-70,

This paper provides key information on 4 no-tillage planters to facilitate adoption by farmers in northern Australia. Four commercial planters of contrasting design were tested in various configurations under 5 different moisture regimes during drying of a heavy-textured Alfisol at Katherine Research Station at the end of the wet season.

Demographic Profile of the Daly River Region

D. A. Griffith

This Demographic profile of the Daly River has been produced for the Daly River Expert Reference Group. The data provided is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Population and Housing 2001 Census data. The report supplies data on the population, housing, household income, individual income, employment profile, workforce profile, industry profile, education profile and visitors and mobility profile.

The data presented provides a detailed understanding of the region and its inhabitants, which could be used to support the development of an integrated Regional Land Use Plan for the Daly River Region.

The extent of developed and undeveloped agricultural land in the Douglas Daly Region and the application of stream buffers

J. Hill
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, Natural Systems Division

The extent of arable land both developed and undeveloped in the Douglas Daly Region has been calculated from land resource mapping originally published by Aldrick and Robinson (1972). All land surveyed was allocated an agricultural capability rating from A to E. The extent of these classes both developed and undeveloped on selected portions has been calculated as well as the total across the study area. In accordance with the land clearing guidelines of the Northern Territory, native buffers have been allocated to various watercourses according to stream order and recommended width. The results are presented in a series of tables with interpretative comments.

This report provides useful information on the amount of area that has the potential to be developed into agricultural lands, which could be used to determine the future land-uses in the area.

Improved Pastures in the Douglas-Daly

B. Lemcke
Livestock Production, Primary Industry,

A report, which studies different ways of improving pastures, with fertiliser usage and supplementation being two possible methods. Discussed is the combination of grasses and legumes to increase the weight gains. Also covered in the report is weed management, stocking rates, pasture management and sustainability.

The report provides comparisons on live weight gains and costs between the different methods, it also takes into consideration the need for weed management, if introduced pastures are going to be used.

Predicting vegetative cover, runoff and soil moisture for assessing land degradation in Australia’s Northern Territory.

J. A. Motha, M. Dilshad and L. J. Peel
27-30 November

Pasture legume nutrients for yellow earth soils: the effects of potassium, zinc, copper and molybdenum on pasture legume growth on yellow earth soils

B. J. Ross and A. G. Cameron
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

An assessment of social and economic values of Australia’s tropical rivers : scoping report prepared for Land and Water Australia’s Tropical Rivers Pr

N. Stoeckl, O. Stanley, V. Brown, S. Jackson and A. Straton
James Cook University,

This project assesses the social and economic values of Australia’s tropical rivers based on literature reviews and three focus groups (held in Katherine, Derby and Mt. Isa). The report includes a social and economic profile of the tropical rivers region; social and economic values and issues relevant to tropical rivers; significant processes and pressure points impacting on future management; future research needs and priorities; and questions and approaches for further research and development.

http://www.lwa.gov.au/Research/Research_Programmes/Tropical_Rivers/Final_reports_and_publications/index.aspx

Wildlife of lancewood (Acacia shirleyi) thickets and woodlands in northern Australia, 1: variation in vertebrate species composition across the enviro

J. C. Woinarski and A. Fisher
Wildlife research
22, 3, p379-411, 1995
Vegetation dominated by lancewood (Acacia shirleyi) occurs extensively across the Northern Territory and Queensland. Vertebrate species composition was sampled at 61 patches of lancewood and the distribution of species was related to a wide range of environmental characteristics, spatial variables, disturbance and season. Of 165 species recorded from lancewood patches, eight species were recorded from more than half of the sampled patches. An ordination of all quadrants by their vertebrate species composition suggested a loose patterning associated mainly with latitude and, less strongly, soil texture and co-occurring tree/shrub species. Suggesting a depauperate and poorly defined vertebrate community in lancewood, quadrants in small isolated lancewood patches had more species than those in large patches, and this pattern was shown for many individual species. Lancewood patches showed minor impacts from grazing and logging, but the impacts of fire were generally more severe, and were negatively associated with the abundance of relatively many species. Lancewood vegetation is not represented in any conservation reserve in the Northern Territory.

Monitoring and Evaluation Trials, Northern Territory Region, Phase 1 report, November 2004

National Land and Water Resources Audit and Northern Territory Government, 2005
The Daly region is the Northern Territory’s National Monitoring and Evaluation Framework trial region. DIPE is undertaking the trial as there is no specific regional NRM body for the Daly region. The NT Landcare Council is the overarching organisation responsible for NHT and NAP in the NT in the absence of regional NRM bodies. At this stage, neither the NT nor the Daly region has accredited NRM plans. Development of an integrated NRM Plan (the Plan) for the NT NHT Region is currently underway. The report provides information on the importance of the region, Current and Recent NRM Initiatives in the Region, and the Key Regional Issues.

River Recovery Inventory Northern Territory

M. Kraatz
M4K Environmental Consulting for Greening Australia NT, 2005
This inventory lists all recent projects, publications and processes directed at river and wetland management in the Northern Territory. Some information will no doubt have been omitted in error, but it is hoped that the most recent, significant and/or well referenced projects have been covered. This list does not just cover the Daly River, however there are a number of projects listed on a range of different topics.

Natural Resources and Development in the Daly River-Sturt Plateau Region of the Tropical Savannahs of the Northern Territory

V. J. Hristova and S. Murti
Department of Mines and Energy, Office of Resource Development,

The report was prepared as background for a study of conservation values. The study did not go ahead, but the report was still published as useful background information for the region that is again the subject of further development. This background paper sets out the known ecological status of the area. The wider impacts surrounding policy issues are also set up. Information is provided on climate, landforms, soils, vegetation types, impacts of humans, Aboriginal usage, current infrastructure and overviews of the two land uses competing for the area.

This report provides a good history into the settlement and infrastructure. The agricultural productivity is also included with future prospects.

Family Carettochelyidae

A. Georges and J. Wombey
Australian Biological Resources Study, DASETT,

Flora of the Darwin Region

C. R. Dunlop, G. J. Leach and I. D. Cowie
Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory

Daly Region Community Reference Group Draft Report

This is a report of the Daly Region Community Reference Group, which has been prepared with the assistance of the Daly Region Expert Reference Group. This draft Report outlines the processes the Community Reference Group chose to follow in consulting people with interests in the Terms of Reference Area, an area of over 2 million hectares. It outlines the issues which were raised as being of concern to the community and sets out the ways in which the Group has dealt with identifying the values of the Focus Area and the interactions between them.
This report provides an overview of the Daly Region, Inventory, Values, risk assessment and management, key risks to ecological sustainability and adaptive management.

2004 Pastoral Industry Survey of the Northern Territory (NT)

Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines,

The objectives of this survey are: to document the state of the cattle industry in the NT so that government and industry can monitor more closely the performance of research and development through time, to collect information to allow the needs of industry to be addressed by DPIFM and groups such as Industry Advisory Committees and the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association, to determine the most effective ways of providing extension information to producers in each Region and to initiate or improve communication between DPIFM staff and cattle producers, and to give the industry an up-to-date picture of management practices so that future directions for research and development can be more relevant
to industry. This report summarises the results on a NT basis, taken from the surveys that were carried out in the Katherine, Alice Springs, Barkly and Top End Regions.

This report compares the pastural industry in the Katherine/Daly region to Alice Springs, Barkly and Top End regions on a number of different issues.

Katherine Region Heritage Study: Significant Natural Features and the Impact of Tourism

N. J. Gambold and K. A. Menkhorst
Environment Centre of the Northern Territory,

This report presents the results of a study aimed at providing detailed information on places of natural heritage significance in the greater Katherine region. It also examines past and possible future impacts of tourism on such places. As part of this process five sites have been nominated to the Register of the National Estate (RNE). This report also presents updated information on significant sites already listed on the National Estate Register and places previously reported to the Australian Heritage Commission. Data complied during the course of this study pertaining to rare, threatened or notable flora and fauna of the Katherine region are included as annotated species lists and it is hoped this may prove a useful tool for regional planners and other individuals with general interest in the Katherine environment.

This report combines tourism and conservation, listing the important areas in the Katherine region, which should be considered to be listed on the National Estate Register.

The Darwin-Daly regional AUSRIVAS models - Northern Territory

G. Lamche
Dept of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, Aquatic Health Unit,

This manual details the procedures necessary to carry out a stream health assessment using the Darwin-Daly regional models based on genus or family-level identification. It also includes sections of the NT AUSRIVAS sampling and processing manual originally developed by Lloyd & Cook (1998).

http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/water/aquatic/publications/2007.html

Comparison of genus and family level AUSRIVAS models for the Darwin-Daly region and relation to land use

G. Lamche and Y. Fukuda
NRETA, Aquatic Health Unit,

Genus and family levels of the AUSRIVAS model were compared based on the observed to expected ratio scores obtained. The genus level model was assessed as being more sensitive and allowed for some level of land use explanation. If resources allow the genus level model is recommended, however the family level model is acceptable for stream health assessment.

http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/water/aquatic/publications/index.html

Conservation and Development Issues in North Australia

I. Moffatt and A. Webb
North Australia Research Unit, Australian National University,

This collection of papers/chapters provide information on conservation and development issues including methodologies for environmental management. It is an indication of current concerns and possible ways of promoting ecologically sustainable development in Australia's north. In chapters 11 "Managing the Magpie Goose in the Northern Territory: approaches to conservation of mobile fauna in a patchy environment", 17 "Towards a vegetation management strategy for the Northern Territory" and 19 "The Pastoral Industry in the Arid Zone of Central Australia" there is mention of the Daly River. A large majority of the chapters have some relevance to the land use/development issues of the Daly Region.

Comparison of no-tillage and conventional tillage in the development of sustainable farming systems in the semi-arid tropics

K. Thiagalingam, N. P. Dalgliesh, N. S. Gould, R. L. McCown, A. L. Cogle and A. L. Chapman
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 36, 8, 995-1002, 1991

The results of 5 short-term experiments and farm demonstrations in which no-tillage technology was compared with conventional or reduced tillage in the semi-arid tropics of the Northern Territory and far north Queensland, during the mid 1980's to mid 1990's, are reviewed. The importance of a surface mulch in ameliorating soil temperature, moisture and fertility, and in reducing soil movement and loss in crop production in the semi-arid tropics was confirmed.
doi:10.1016/0167-1987(91)90044-X

The seasonal accrual and loss of benthic algae (Spirogyra) in the Daly River, an oligotrophic river in tropical Australia

S. Townsend and A. Padovan
Marine and Freshwater Research, 56, 3, 317-327,

The hierarchy of factors that control the growth and biomass of Spirogyra sp. was examined for an 18-km reach of the Daly River in the wet/dry tropics of northern Australia. On an annual temporal scale, hydrological disturbances control Spirogyra. Over the wet season (typically December–April), frequent runoff events prevent the colonisation and growth of Spirogyra in the Daly River. This is followed, however, by a lengthy period (typically May–November) without hydrological disturbances and river velocities that favour benthic algal growth.

The role of substrate type on benthic diatom assemblages in the Daly and Roper Rivers of the Australian wet-dry tropics

S. A. Townsend and P. A. Gell
Hydrobiologia, 548, 1, 101-115, 2005-10
The selection of one or more river substrata for the collection of benthic diatoms is fundamental to any monitoring or research programme. In the wet/dry tropics of Australia, where the use of benthic diatoms for river health assessment is in its infancy, the comparability of diatom assemblages on river substrata has been assessed. Benthic diatoms were sampled from seven river sites, with a range of ionic chemistries but low nutrient concentrations. A total of 198 taxa were identified, with some taxa common to temperate Australia. Common species were found on all substrata, with sometimes statistically significantly different relative abundances. The principal finding was the similarity of the epilithon and epidendron, which are considered to be indistinguishable. Rock and wood hard substrata can be substituted for one another during field surveys, thereby increasing the number of potential sample sites available for monitoring activities that standardise to a hard substrate.

Undular tidal bore dynamics in the Daly Estuary, Northern Australia

E. Wolanski, D. Williams, S. Spagnol and H. Chanson
Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 60, 4, 629-636, 2004

"Measurements in the macro-tidal Daly Estuary show that the presence of an undular tidal bore contributed negligibly to the dissipation of tidal energy."
doi:10.1016/j.ecss.2004.03.001

Social Values of the Daly Region Final Report

M. Young
Charles Darwin University, School for Social and Policy Research

The current report adopts a fairly broad perspective to assess the value of the Daly Region to the society within which it is situated. In this sense it seeks to document and assess the meanings and values different groups ascribe to the area, and how these values may be incorporated into the CRG process. It attempts to incorporate the perspectives of those groups who may not have a direct commercial or other vested interest in the place, but for who the place is nonetheless meaningful, and who maintain an active and valid interest in the region’s management and future. In short it is concerned with the reasons why the Daly Region is a publicly valuable place. It is specifically guided by the following research question: What are the shared public understandings of the meaning and significance of the Daly Region? How do these understandings overlay, interrelate or conflict?

A report that covers a number of different social values in the Daly Region, which can be related back to management and development issues in the area.

Deposition and palaeogeography of a glacigenic Neoproterozoic succession in the east Kimberley, Australia

M. Corkeron
Sedimentary Geology, 204, 3-4, 61-82,

"Additional ice-flow data from the west Kimberley and the Daly River area of Northern Territory are consistent and record a regional palaeoice-flow direction towards the southwest."

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6V6X-4RP0MP3-1/1/6e111b1d4ffd80756fefefd0eb6906d3

A. J. Bruce
Hydrobiologia, 231, 2, 131-139, March 1992
In a recent review of the Australian species of the freshwater shrimp genus Macrobrachium, an identification key did not include M. handschini (Roux), a little known species first recorded from the Katherine River NT and not subsequently reported. Roux's original description was brief and unillustrated and was inadequate for accurate systematic assessment. In this paper an illustrated redescription is provided of the type specimens from Katherine River.

The Fifth and Final Annual Report on the Land Management Strategies for the Semi Arid Tropics (LAMSAT) Project

M. Dilshad, P. B. Hairsine, D. M. Silburn and G. Jayawardhana
Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corporation.,

Contrasting Holocene sedimentary geologies of the Daly River, northern Australia and lower Sepik-Ramu, Papua New Guinea

J. Chappell
Sedimentary Geology, 83f, 339-358,

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6V6X-489Y9F3-4K/1/1c8e306461b35bccc9246b5c592af164

Fish need water too!

J. Harrison
Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory Inc.,

Factors contributing to a fish kill in the Australian wet/dry tropics

S. A. Townsend, K. T. Boland and T. J. Wrigley
Water research
26, 8, p1039-1044, 1992-08

The hydrological and limnological factors associated with the death of 5000 fish, comprising 18 species, in Donkey Camp Pool on the Katherine River NT after the 1987-88 wet season are discussed. On the evidence presented, the fish kill is primarily related to natural causes associated with low oxygen concentrations in the pool resulting from the displacement of pool water with cooler runoff from the Maude Creek catchments which carried a substantial organic load and had a high oxygen demand. Humic compound toxicity may have also contributed. The event highlights the potential impact of storm runoff on receiving waters in the wet/dry tropics.

Analysis of policies, institutions and stakeholders as a tool in integrated assessment of wetlands in Northern Australia : a case study of Daly River

P. Shrestha
Wageningen University, April 2005
The present research explores the influence of institutions, particularly the policies, on the functions provided by wetlands by taking examples of the wetlands in Daly River and Mary River Catchments of the Northern Territory of Australia. It was observed that the wetlands in the research areas were subjected to multiple indirect policies and legislations, which varied across the modes of land use. The policies were categorised into primary and secondary policies with former being directly associated with a given function of wetland and the latter indirectly associated. The range of policies applicable to a given function of the wetland affected it in both positive and negative ways. Positive influence was when the policies promoted the use of a function, which could be by different provisions such as issuing of licenses, granting permits and prescribing mechanisms to conduct the activities. The negative influence existed when various rights to different policies were applicable to the same function and the inconsistencies between them suppressed or discouraged to proceed its use, characterised by the need of additional time, additional cost and extra procedures applicable to conduct the activity.

Securing the Long-term Protection of the Daly River: options for conservation and appropriate development

G. Scott
Environment Centre of the Northern Territory This report tries to cover a wide range of conservation and ecologically sustainable development options for the Daly River region. This report builds on recent work detailing the terrestrial and aquatic conservation values of the Daly River Catchment commissioned by environmental non-government organisations. This report also examines options for appropriate economies in the Daly. An appropriate economy can be thought of as one that supports economic activity that is ecologically, culturally and socially sustainable. The second part of this report identifies economic development activities and opportunities that are most likely to be compatible with the unique ecological and cultural values of the Daly.

The report covers important values of the Daly River from values under threat and protecting them, appropriate development in the area to eco tourism and cultural tourism.

Environmental Water Requirements of Vallisneria nana in the Daly River, Northern Territory

N. Rea, P. Dostine, P. Cook, I. Webster and D. Williams
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, Repo2t 35/2002

This project focuses on the major riverine plant, Vallisneria nana R.Br., beds of which are a keystone habitat. Macrophytes play a role in providing food, breeding sites and refuge for animals, and in the cycling of nutrients, metals and carbon. They slow currents, trap organic matter, sediments and nutrients, reduce turbidity, stabilise banks, increase shade and reduce water temperatures. Vallisneria species were once considerably abundant in the regulated inland rivers of south-eastern Australia. Their loss is attributed to adverse changes in water quality and flow. The loss of V. nana would cause a cascade of adverse changes across the food web. The overall project objective was to make recommendations about the environmental conditions needed to sustain V. nana and its functional role in the Daly River.

Effects of habitat fragmentation on the vertebrate fauna of tropical woodlands, Northern Territory

B. R. Rankmore and O. F. Price
in Conservation of Australia's Forest Fauna, 2nd ed. Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, 2004
Fauna surveys were conducted in cleared areas, remnants of eucalyptus woodlands of various size and degree of isolation, and undisturbed 'continuous' woodland at Litchfield NT and Tipperary NT to determine the effects of clearing and habitat fragmentation on vertebrate fauna populations and distributions. The surveys identified 75 species of birds, mammals, frogs and reptiles of sufficient frequency to analyse. Only 25% of the species used modified land, but most (69%) were recorded in corridors. No species could be confidently classified as an edge specialist. The area or size of remnant vegetation, the total amount of woodland within a four km radius of the fragment, and connectivity all had a strong positive influence on animals occurring within a fragment. Fire regimes and density of trees also had an important influence on animals in remnant woodlands.

Calibration of the Enviroscan Soil Moisture Probe for the LAMSAT Sites at Douglas Daly, NT.

L. J. Peel, M. Dilshad and J. A. Motha
Department of Lands, Planning and Environment,

An Enviroscan system (ES2) was used to collect soil moisture data on red earths of Douglas Daly, N.T. during the 94/95 season. The ES2 however, tended to underestimate real soil moisture levels when compared with, gravimetric and Neutron probe methods. The system was calibrated against these other methods to correct for this problem, and to make the ES2 data more useful.

Crop gross margin budgets for the Katherine-Daly region 1999-2000

S. Murti
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

Simulating maize growth and the hydrological responses of red earths in the Northern Territory semi-arid tropics

J. A. Motha, M. Dilshad and R. J. Bateman
Conservation Commission of the NT, 1994

A new version of the CERES-Maize model, enhanced to make it user friendly and modified to include physical and climatological conditions unique to the SAT of Australia has been tested for Red Earths in the Northern Territory. This paper presents some preliminary results from the simulation and parameters for the model. Comparison of predicted and measured hydrologic and agronomic results show good agreement. Further work is necessary to test the model for different physical and climatological conditions to accomplish a complete evaluation of the model.

Effect of vegetation cover on USDA curve numbers for pastoral catchments in the Australian semi-arid tropics

J. A. Motha and M. Dilshad
Dept of Lands, Planning and Environment, June 1997

The LAMSAT model was used to study the relationship between cover and runoff for pastoral catchments in the Northern Territory. A good treatment of the statistical indicators for the optimisation of the runoff parameter CN2 is presented. The scatter in the cover-CN2 function obtained is believed to be due to the differences in the cultural history of the catchments studied. Similar studies are also discussed.

The Effects of Artificial Sources of Water on Rangeland Biodiversity: Final report to the Biodiversity Convention and Strategy Section of the Biodiver

J. Landsberg, C. D. James, S. R. Morton, J. Hobbs, J. Stol, A. Drew and H. Tongway
CSIRO, Division of Wildlife and Ecology and Environment Australia

The study aimed to determine the effects of the provision of artificial waters and of the grazing it allows, on the native plants and animals inhabiting two of the major biomes of inland Australia. The study was based on field surveys which sampled biodiversity along gradients in grazing intensity extending out from artificial water sources. Given how widespread artificial waters have become throughout the rangelands, the results suggest that some 15-38% of species are at risk of declining substantially throughout these lands. Although similar proportions of species are favoured by the provision of water and grazing, and from 36-75% seem unaffected by it, the challenge is to develop strategies that will provide for the persistence of the vulnerable decreased species.

Although this study is directly related to the Daly Region, with the plans for future development and maybe an increase in artificial water sources, it is important to be aware of their effects.

Daly-Katherine River Basin water resources review

D. Kingston
Dept of the Northern Territory, Water Resources Branch

http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=WRD75024

Scientists urge expansion of freshwater protected areas.

R. T. Kingsford and J. Nevill
Ecological Management and Restoration, 6, 3, 161-162 plus full statement

Although freshwater protected areas are regarded as an essential component of biodiversity conservation programmes, a systematic approach to their development in Australia has been slow, and is hindered by incomplete ecosystem inventories at State and national levels. We review this situation and examine avenues for action. While there is no shortage of relevant policy in Australia, some protective mechanisms have not yet been used (many years after their development). In other cases ‘protection’ has been only partially applied without regard to important issues of hydrologic connectivity – with species extinction1 as a direct consequence. The most urgent initiative is to identify those ecosystems most at risk. A comprehensive national assessment of the conservation status of freshwater ecosystems should be undertaken immediately. Such an assessment would provide both a platform and an impetus for the systematic expansion of the nation’s freshwater protected areas.
http://aerg.canberra.edu.au/cgi-bin/pubs_archive.cgi?target=G

Achieving Integrative, Collaborative Ecosystem Management

H. L. Keough and D. J. Blahna
Conservation Biology, 20, 5, 10
Although numerous principles have been identified as being important for successfully integrating social and ecological factors in collaborative management, few authors have illustrated how these principles are used and why they are effective. On the basis of a review of the ecosystem management and collaboration literature, we identified eight factors important for integrative, collaborative ecosystem management—integrated and balanced goals, inclusive public involvement, stakeholder influence, consensus group approach, collaborative stewardship, monitoring and adaptive management, multidisciplinary data, and economic incentives. We examined four cases of successful ecosystem management to illustrate how the factors were incorporated and discuss the role they played in each case’s success.
Although this article is not based in or around the Daly River Basin, it has been included because it covers important information, which can be used by DRMAC.

Indicator Frameworks for Assessing Irrigation Sustainability

B. Kellett, K. Bristow and P. Charlesworth
CSIRO Land and Water
CRC for Irrigation Futures
This report summarises knowledge of sustainability, indicators, and particularly sustainability indicator frameworks. This knowledge delivers awareness of the tools available for the development of the Northern Australia Irrigation Futures (NAIF) Sustainability Framework. A possible structure for the NAIF Sustainability Framework is proposed and outlined. It is based on three major parts: 1. Sustainability indicators; 2. Knowledge of function of irrigation systems; and 3. Management and planning guidelines. We recommend adoption of the AMOEBA SI Framework and Bayesian Belief Networks to help progress development of the NAIF Sustainability Framework. The AMOEBA SI Framework to accomplish the following: facilitation of sustainability indicator development; facilitation of threshold setting; presentation of sustainability assessments; and facilitation of stakeholders’ understandings of sustainability. The Bayesian Belief Networks for simulating and testing planning and management scenarios.

Reassessment of population structure in Australian barramundi, Lates calcarifer (Bloch)

C. P. Keenan
Newsletter of the Australian Society for Fish Biology, 22, 2, 36-37

Modelling dry season flows and predicting the impact of water extraction on a flagship species

A. Georges, I. Webster, F. Guarino, P. Jolly, M. Thoms and S. Doody
CRC for Freshwater Ecology and the Applied Ecology Research Group The aim of this project was to contribute to recommendations on environmental flows to ensure that they are consistent with maintaining the biota of the Daly River, given competing demands of agriculture, recreation and tourism, conservation and Aboriginal culture. The focus is on flow, connectivity and water temperatures. The report is important as it uses a flagship species to determine the effects of a reduction in water levels. The reduction in water level, would be a result of increases in argiculture. This flagship species can be used to continue to measure the health of the Daly river.

http://aerg.canberra.edu.au/cgi-bin/pubs_archive.cgi?target=G

Biodiversity in Inland Waters - Priorities for its Protection and Management. Recommendations from the 2001 Fenner Conference on the Environment.

A. Georges and P. Cottingham
CRC for Freshwater Ecology

This report summarises the final session of the 2001 Fenner Conference, Biodiversity in Inland Waters - Priorities for its Protection and Management. It identifies the major issues limiting successful biodiversity conservation, gaps in our knowledge or ability to address freshwater biodiversity issues, and priority areas of management and research that will lead to improved conservation of freshwater biodiversity. This report intends to inform policy makers and those involved in natural resource management, as well as serving as a resource for those promoting
or undertaking biodiversity conservation measures.

http://aerg.canberra.edu.au/cgi-bin/pubs_archive.cgi?target=G

Sedimentation on the Daly River

L. Furlonger
Charles Darwin University
The thesis addressed the important issue of identifying the sources of sediment which could be contributing to the apparent increased sedimentation in the Daly River, which is currently being considered for future large scale agricultural development. For several years, environmentalists and recreational anglers have been raising concerns about increasing levels of sedimentation in the Daly River, leading to speculation about the effects of land clearing in the area. Lillian's research focussed on sourcing the fine sediment in the river and also contributed to quantifying sedimentation rates. Her work has provided valuable scientific input into the debate about sedimentation in the Daly River.

A compilation of surface water data for the Douglas Daly area, Draft

Drainage Irrigation and Hydrochemistry sectionWater Division,

http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=WRD82003

The impacts of the Northern Australian grazing industry on the wetlands and riparian habitats

M. Douglas and A. M. Poliot
Meat and Livestock Australia,

A predictive model for assessment of stream health in the Darwin-Daly region of the Northern Territory using mostly genus level data

P. L. Dostine Dept of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, Natural Resource Management

Patterns in macroinvertebrate community composition and recommendations for monitoring in the Daly River system

P. Dostine
Department of Lands Planning and Environment

This project contributed to the development of a broad-scale monitoring programme for aquatic ecosystems in the Daly River basin, a priority catchment in the Northern Territory. Objectives of the study are to describe patterns in macroinvertebrate community composition at two levels of taxonomic resolution and to make broad recommendations on the design of monitoring programmes for stream and river environments in the Daly River system. Further work will lead to the construction of catchment-specific predictive models using data from fine-scale taxonomic description of community structure.

Macroinvertebrates are a useful assessment tool, to monitor the health of stream environments. Some species/families will only been found in certain healthy conditions.

A preliminary assessment of hillslope (Sheet and Rill) erosion and associated suspended sediment movement in the Daly River Catchment, Northern Territ

M. Dilshad
Dept of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts.
The Sediment River Network Model (SedNet), a catchment-scale spatial planning and priority setting simulation model, was used to assess the mean annual hillslope erosion in the Daly River Catchment for the current land use scenario. SedNet was also used to assess how much of this eroded soil gets delivered to the river network, where and how much of this sediment gets deposited on the floodplains and how much is exported from the catchment.

Fertility studies on three red earth soils of the Daly Basin, Northern Territory

K. J. Day
Land Conservation Section, Animal Industry and Agricultural Branch, Department of the Northern Territory, Australia

This study forms part of the National Soil Fertility Project initiated by C.S.I.R.O. Division of Soils in 1967. The aim of this project was to determine which, of all the soil factors recognized in a soil profile, are those most closely related to plant production. Large areas of deep sandy and loamy red earths occur commonly in the Daly Basin. Land use on red earth soils in this region has primarily been grazing by beef cattle on mainly native pastures, with small areas of sown Townsville Stylo (Stylosanthes humilis) pastures and cash crops.

The effects of fire on a breeding colony of Australian Pelicans

R. Chatto
Corella, 19, 2, 70, Conservation Values

Implications of an integrated ecosystem assessment for wetland management and planning in northern Australia.

M. Zylstra
Wageningen University May 2005
The aim of this thesis is to understand how an intergrated assessment using ecosystem function analysis and evaluation can be used to ensure the ecologically sustainable management and wise use of wetlands in northern Australia.

This thesis investigates the management implications of applying function analysis to wetlands in 3 research areas: the Daly River, Mary River and East Alligator River catchments.

Fishery status reports 2004

P. Zeroni and L. Wood
Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries and Mines

The 2004 Report provides information on the NT’s wild harvest fisheries, the expanding aquaculture industry, recreational and fishing tourism industries, the Indigenous fishing sector, and activities with respect to aquatic pest management. An addition to the 2004 report is the inclusion of a new section providing an overview of the types and numbers of licences issued by NT Fisheries for the calendar year. With regards to the important management of the Territory’s valuable wild harvest fisheries, individual reports include information on the ecological sustainability. The Daly River is mentioned a number of times in the sections of: barramundi fishery, recreational fishing and fishing tour operators.

Integrated ecosystem assessment of wetlands in the Northern Territory: a tool for NRM (Summary for Stakeholders)

O. Ypma and M. Zylstra
Environmental System Analysis Group
Wageningen University and Research Centre (WUR)

This report contains information on the ecological, sociocultural and economic values of the Daly and Mary River wetlands. It should be kept in mind that, as a pilot project, there were clear limitations in data, analysis and time.

Integrated Assessment of Stakeholder Interests and Trade-offs in use of Wetland Functions: A Case Study of the Daly, Mary and Kunbarllanjnja Wetlands

O. Ypma
Wageningen University, May 2005
The wetlands in northern Australia provide people with numerous benefits, such as food and water, which support people’s quality of life. This is especially the case with wetlands in the Daly and Mary River catchments and Kunbarllanjnja. These areas differ in the scale of agricultural development and are being used by different people who want to profit from the provided benefits. This leads to different interests in wetlands. The different interests occasionally lead to competition between persons or groups over wetland functions such as water supply. To facilitate an equal distribution in using wetland functions among the persons or groups, the competing interests have to be balanced (trade-offs) in order to develop sustainable management of the wetland functions and efficient policy to protect the wetlands from quantity and quality degradation.

An integrated analysis has been conducted in this thesis with the main objective to identify the main interests of individual stakeholder and stakeholder groups along with actual and potential trade-offs regarding the use of the wetlands in Daly and Mary River catchments and Kunbarllanjnja in Northern Australia.

The importance of water management at mines in protecting the environment: principles and some examples from the Top End

P. H. Woods
Institution of Engineers, Australia, Barton ACT, 21-24 Apr 1996

The environmental aspects of mine water management systems have become as important as reliability of water supply in mining. This is illustrated by four case studies of mines at Ranger, Pine Creek, Rustler's Roost and the McArthur River near Borroloola NT. Water management systems must be included in mine design during the permitting stage and demonstrated by monitoring during operations. Such systems must be in the highly variable climate of the wet-dry tropics. Intelligent water management reduces or eliminates pollution problems and reduces operational and rehabilitation costs. There is a general move towards no-contaminated-release water management systems and where this is feasible it has many advantages in reducing or eliminating adverse effects off site and greatly simplifies regulation.

The sediment trapping efficiency of the macro-tidal Daly Estuary, tropical Australia

J. Woinarski, D. Williams and E. Hanert
Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science, 69, 291-298

This report provides details into the sediment movement in the estuary region of the Daly River, this information is important to know with the new development pressures within the Daly River Catchment. New developments can result in increases in the sediment supply.

Daly River resistivity survey: hydrogeophysical report 84/9

Water division
Dept of Transport and Works,
http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=WRD84079

A comparison of two tillage systems on four soil types in the Douglas-Daly region of the N.T. 1986/87

H. R. M. Van Cuylenburg
Conservation Commission of the N.T.

http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=LRD89005

The occurrence of natural fish kills, and their causes, in the Darwin-Katherine-Jabiru region of northern Australia

S. Townsend
Mitt. Internat. Verein. Limnol, 24, 197-205,

Stream baseflows in the Daly Basin

S. J. Tickell, S. Cruikshank, E. Kerle and G. Willis
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, October 2002

Macro-algae in the streams of the Darwin Region, and the Daly River catchment

S. Skinner and S. A. Townsend
Dept of Plannning and Infrastructure, Water Monitoring Branch, 2005
Report 12/2005D

Striking the Balance: Sustainable Farming and Grazing Systems for the Semi-arid Tropics of the Northern Territory

F. O'Gara
Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries

Early research in the NT highlighted the disadvantages of conventional farming methods. In the 1980's various government departments began investigating ways of overcoming the problems by using conservation tillage, pasture levy systems and by managing soil surface cover. The work showed that conservation tillage gave more reliable yields and greatly reduced soil loss. Conservation farming is a practice and philosophy which strives to protect the soil, minimise land degradation and environmental pollution and improve the conditions for plant growth. It is now recognised as one of the most important innovations in modern agriculture. Experience suggests it is not only desirable but essential for the long-term protection and productivity of NT soils. This book provides information on the physical environment, what is conservation farming, Herbicides: part of a more flexible system, crops for the top end, pastures in farming systems, levy farming systems, crop and pasture nutrition, field crop irrigation in the top end, weeds, insect pests and disease management and economics of conservation farming.

Ngan'gikurunggurr and Ngan'giwumirri ethnobotany: Aboriginal plant use from the Daly River area northern Australia

P. Marrfurra, M. Akanburru, M. Wawul, T. Kumunerrin, H. Adya, K. Kamarrama, M. Kanintyanyu, T. Waya, M. Kannyi, G. Wightman and L. Williams
Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory

This book is about the names and uses that the Ngan'gikurunggurr and Ngan'giwumirri people have for the plants. It is also about the respect for plants and the knowledge that the elders have about these plants, in hope that the younger generations will use this book as they grow up to help them understand about the knowledge and uses of plants. The information about the plants in the Daly River are provided in both english and the local language.

Breeder herd productivity in the Douglas-Daly district of the Northern Territory

G. Jayawardhana, E. Doyle, W. Doyle and T. Price
Australian Institute of Agricultural Science, Northern Territory Zone

This paper growth, pregnancy and calving rates of high grade Brahman cattle on the Douglas-Daly Reasearch Farm and a commercial property 'Theyona' in the Douglas-Daly district.

Land Management model for the semi-arid tropics

P. B. Hairsine, D. M. Silburn and M. Dilshad
North Australian Research Unit

Daly River mission - stockyard boresite DLH-397

A. Hall
Northern Territory Administration, Water Resources Branch

http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=WRD64029

Report on the land units of the Daly River agricultural area

P. J. Fogarty and C. R. Gibbs
Northern Territory Animal Industry and Agriculture Branch, 1976

The survey was initiated by the Animal Industry and Agriculture Branch following serious soil erosion caused by the devastating 1974 floods. Much of the erosion, it was felt, was the result of incorrect land use practices. This land unit survey delineates and accounts for existing erosion and provides the basic physical information for correct farm planning. It does not include socio- economic information of any kind. Further, it provides information about the potential (or otherwise) of the unused areas of Crown Land, not only for agriculture, but also for recreation and conservation purposes.
http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=WRD76025

Significance of river bank erosion as a sediment source in the alternating flood regimes of south-eastern Australia

W. D. Erskine and R. F. WarnerWiley

Fisheries Regulations

Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries and Mines

A report that indicates the catch size and bag limits for a number of species across the Northern Territory. The topics included in the report include; General Personal Possession Limit, Managed Species, Enforcement, Barramundi Fishing Controls, Jewfish Fishing Controls, and Mud Crab Fishing Controls.

It points out the importance of regulation that no fishing is allowed in certain sections of the Daly River during October through to January.

Fishcount: a survey of recreational fishing in the Northern Territory

A. P. M. Coleman
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

Community Land Use and Development Plan 2004 to 2008

N. Clarke, S. Wilson and G. Finch
Nauiyu Nambiyu Community Government Council

The Nauiyu Community Land Use and Development plan identifies the priority for future community development incorporating; expore the current limitations for further development including considering the 1% AEP zone restriction for future housing development; assess the strategic development needs; assess development of achievable commercial activities able to provide economic, training and employment benefits; identify possible locations for a satellite township to allow population and economic growth including town planning engineering service considerations, Flood Evacuation centres and determine desirable community goals such as necessary housing development, aged care facilities, clinic facilities, public and sporting amenities and other community purpose developments.
The report outlines the further direction, in which the local community would like to travel up until 2008, the report includes information on future employment, education and infrastructure. This should help guide the changes in land use and development within this community.

Dynamics in tropical eucalypt forests

J. Woinarski and B. Hill
Land and Water Australia

This fact sheet presents the key findings from the Land & Water Australia managed project: Defining successional patterns and biodiversity values of north Australian eucalypt forests. This study provides major new insights into the dynamics of tropical eucalypt forests, allowing comparison with the dynamics of temperate eucalypt forests. It also provides guidelines for clearing of new re-growth forest versus old growth.

http://products.lwa.gov.au/products/pn21601

Wise use of wetlands in northern Australia: Indigenous use

P. J. Whitehead, M. Storrs, M. McKaige, R. Kennett and M. Douglas
Centre for Tropical Wetlands Management and Centre for Indigenous natural and Cultural Resource Management, Northern Territory University, Darwin, 29 September to 1 October 1998

Gap Analysis of Scientific Knowledge in the Daly Region

S. Townsend, P. Dostine, D. YinFoo, D. Williams, P. Jolly, J. Woinarski and J. Hill
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, Conservation and Natural Resources Group, 2005?
This analysis has been compiled to inform the Daly Region Community Reference Group through its Expert Reference Group of the gaps in scientific knowledge in the Daly River. Key research issues are discussed under five broad themes:1) River and Wetland Health, 2) Estuarine Health, 3) Groundwater Surface Water Interactions, 4) Conservation and Biodiversity and 5) Soil Management. It provides an integrated overview and assists in setting priorities for the direction of further research for regional natural resource planning and management. The report has large tables that are divided into zones which display the current knowledge, the desirable state of knowledge, and the cost of achieving each goal. For each topic area there is also detailed information provided. This information is useful when considering new projects in the Daly Region.

A survey of springs along the Daly River between Beeboom and Daly River Crossings

S. J. Tickell and R. Farrow
NRETA, Natural Resources Division

A field inspection of the Daly River between Beeboom Crossing and Daly River Crossing in July 2005 did not locate any major springs associated with the Tindall Limestone. Spring flows from the limestone amounted to 170 L/sec. while downstream of the Daly Basin 470 L/sec. was added from various aquifers in Proterozic aged rocks. The river gains some 5 cumecs between the Beeboom Crossing and Mount Nancar gauging stations. The bulk of this is thought to originate from the Tindall Limestone, probably through unseen discharge into the river bed.
Thermal springs were located at the base of the Rock Candy Range. They are associated with faulting in Proterozoic sandstone and dolomite.

Stream Baseflows in the Daly Basin

S. J. Tickell, S. Cruikshank, E. Kerle and G. Willis
Department of Infrastructure Planning and Environment, Natural Resources Division

This survey took a snapshot of flows in mid-September at various sites in the catchment. The majority of the 34 cumecs measured at Mount Nancar is sourced from groundwater discharge from fractured and karstic aquifers within the Daly Basin. Discharge occurs at various sections along the Daly River and its tributaries where the streams cut into aquifers. The two main aquifers in the basin, the Tindall Limestone and the Oolloo Dolostone were discharging 15.8 and 17.8 cumecs respectively. The largest individual groundwater inflow is 7.7 cumecs, which discharges into the Daly River immediately upstream from Stray Creek.
Dry season stream gaugings were carried out in the Daly River catchment in order to determine the locations and quantities of groundwater inflow (and/or loss) to the river system. The main areas of interest were those stretches of the rivers that cross the Tindall and Oolloo aquifers of the Daly Basin.
The report provides information on the water quality, stream flows, water balance and salt balance within the Daly Basin.

http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=WRD02036

A survey of springs and rapids along the Katherine and Daly Rivers

S. J. Tickell
NRETAS, Natural Resources Division

A boat traverse was done of the Katherine and Daly Rivers from Galloping Jacks to Florina homestead. River bank springs were found to be numerous, especially between Limestone Creek and the Flora River. The springs have small discharges and are mostly sourced from the “massive unit” of the Oolloo Dolostone. The locations of approximately sixty rapids were recorded. They break the river into a series of steps and pools. Cretaceous sandstone is a very hard rock and is the formation that most rapids are formed on. The geology along the traverse has been reinterpreted slightly. Rocks along the Daly River, just north of the Flora are now regarded as Jinduckin Formation rather than Cretaceous as was previously thought.

Groundwater Resources of the Oolloo Dolostone

S. J. Tickell
Department of Infrastructure Planning and Environment, Natural Resources Division

This study aims to define the regional hydrogeology of the Oolloo Dolostone aquifer, including its extent, thickness, hydraulic properties, recharge, regional flow pattern and discharge. It completes a regional study of the aquifer following Jolly’s (1984) work, which covered the aquifer in the Douglas/Daly area. The results of the present work will be used as the base data for a groundwater model of the aquifer that will help quantify the water balance.

This report contains a range of infomation on environments in Daly River, the main topics were groundwater, geology, land use and geomorphology.

Water trading in the Katherine-Daly River region: issues and scenarios

A. Straton, S. Heckbert, A. Smajgl and J. Ward
Tropical Savannas Management CRC and CSIRO Social and Economic Integration,

A study looking at rules for water allocation processes in the Katherine-Daly region of the Northern Territory and how these may change in the future under the National Water Initiative (NWI).

http://www.cse.csiro.au/publications/2006/Katherine-DalyWaterTrading.pdf

Institutions for water trading and policy-making in the tropical savannas: a case study of the Katherine-Daly River region.

A. Straton, S. Heckbert, A. Smajgl and J. Ward
Tropical Savannas CRC, CSIRO, 2006

This project documents and analyses the institutions currently governing water allocation in the Katherine-Daly region and explores how this could change under the National Water Initiative’s objective to expand the trade in water. The report discusses the analysis of how Top End growers may respond in a water market and the modelling of some policy scenarios based on these responses.

http://www.terc.csiro.au/research.asp?Program=GOVERNANCE&Project=HBEHAV

Evaluation of Irrigated Fodders at Douglas Daly Research Farm

F. O'Gara, C. Collins and P. Shotton
Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines

The main objective of this report was to determine the yield potential and agronomic requirements of various irrigated forage crops under centre pivot irrigation and assess their suitability as rotational crops with peanuts in the Daly basin. While this evaluation was not conducted under ideal conditions, it revealed that achieving optimum forage sorghum populations can be difficult. High seeding rates are necessary to achieve sufficient plant numbers. Establishment of 40 to 50% is poor and usually results in inferior stands. Rolling to achieve better seed-soil contact may improve establishment on Blain soils and should be investigated.

A wet season water quality survey in the Daly River basin

Northern Territory Water Resources Division
Timor Sea drainage division, 1985-09

This report contains the data collected on a wet season water quality survey in the Daly River Basin NT in 1984. The data is presented in tables and in graphs showing water constituent levels against location in the river system. There is an area map for the river (A).

Addressing the variability in soil hydraulic properties - is scaling the answer? a Northern Territory perspective.

J. A. Motha and M. Dilshad
Department of Lands, Planning and Environment, June 1997

This report explains the procedure for obtaining the SWC (soil water characteristic) for a specific location in the Daly Basin, using a published scaling method.

Rainfall variability and agriculture in the semi arid tropics, the Northern Territory, Australia

W. S. Mollah and I. M. Cook
Agricultural and forest meteorology, 79, 1-2, 39-60, 1996-03

Analyses of historical rainfall records for four sites for up to 103 seasons, 1888-1889 to 1990-1991 at Darwin and Katherine NT, address the three themes of climatic change, time scales and assessments of impacts on agriculture in marginal areas of the semi arid tropics. The mean for the period from 1951-1952 at Darwin represents a 10% increase over the mean for 1974-1975 and similarly at Katherine a 7% increase. Tightening the time scale to periods within seasons does not reveal similar changes, emphasising the higher variability of rainfall within seasons. Crops sown each season should recognise the timing of the occurrence of the sowing rains to minimise the risk to each landholder by seeking the best possible crop establishment. Drying conditions after each event limit the time over which soil conditions will remain suitable, so the area of crop sown will vary according to seasonal conditions.

Are northern Australian communities learning from past irrigation and water management experiences?

B. Kellett, K. Bristow, J. Camkin, R. Beilin and G. Moore
Australian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, 15-18 Oct 2006

The Northern Australian Irrigation Futures Project aims to support debate and discussion regarding the future of northern Australia, and the possible role that irrigation may play in this future. This research supports this aim by providing new interpretations of expert knowledge and community processes to explore the notion that Northern Australian communities are adapting according to stakeholders' experiences of water and irrigation management.

Preliminary report on Aboriginal perspectives on land-use and water management in the Daly River region, Northern Territory

S. Jackson
CSIRO, 2004

This report covers a wide range of topics and concerns of the Aboriginal communities in relation to the Daly River. It also supplies some background into the reasons for the report and the development of the Daly River Community Reference Group (CRG).

Potential Horticultural Water Supplies

U. Zaar
Power and Water Authority, Water Resources Division

This report has been written in response to the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries request for an overview of the prospects for horticultural water supply in the area between Katherine Town and Carbeen Park Farm located approximately 40km downstream on the Katherine River. The CCNT map 'Katherine Levee - Horticultural Potential' has distinguished land units in the region by their suitability to spray and trickle irrigation. At present, water for horticultural use is largely supplied by the Katherine River and from the site bores. The extent to which the river can be further utilised as a source of water is described. Groundwater supplies are investigated as well as alternative surface water options.

Pivotal range and thermosensitive period of the pig-nosed turtle, Carettochelys insculpta (Testudines: Carettochelydidae), from northern Australia

J. E. Young, A. Georges, J. S. Doody, P. B. West and R. L. Alderman 82, 1251-1257,

Understanding temperature-dependent sex determination in nature often depends on knowledge of species specific attributes that are integrated into the relationship between temperature and sex. We determined two such attributes for the pig-nosed turtle, Carettochelys insculpta Ramsay, 1886, in tropical Australia: the pivotal range in temperature that separates the male-producing domain from the female-producing domain, and the thermosensitive period during which the embryonic sex is influenced by temperature. The pivotal range for C. insculpta was very narrow, spanning only about 1 °C, and was centred on 32 °C, which is high but consistent with temperatures reported for other tropical species. The thermosensitive period spanned developmental stages 17–21 for temperature influence in the direction of maleness and 18–21 for temperature influence in the direction of femaleness. This period is slightly narrower than that for other reptile species but broadly consistent with the middle third of incubation.
http://aerg.canberra.edu.au/cgi-bin/pubs_archive.cgi?target=G

Report on the land units of the Dorisvale Area - Dorisvale Station and vacant crown land east of Dorisvale Station to the Daly River

B. G. Wood
Land Conservation Unit, Territory Parks and Wildlife Commission,

http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=LRD78011

An Indigenous Management Framework for the Daly River Catchment

M. Wohling
Daly River Aboriginal Reference Group and Northern Land Council

This report is an important document, which outlines the cultural values and the future development that the traditional owners would like to occur in their area. It is not just a report but a management framework for the Daly Region.

Water Quality in the Daly River - A multi-disciplinary management approach

D. Wilson, P. Cook, L. Hutley, S. J. Tickell and P. Jolly
Department of Natural Resources the Environment and the Arts

The aim of this project was to predict the effects of land clearing on groundwater recharge to the Oolloo aquifer and therefore to spring flows in the Daly River. The current work attempted to understand the physical processes related to recharge. This will provide further scientific basis for the development of land and water management practices and assist in preventing adverse impacts on the ecosystems sustained by spring flows into the Daly River.

This is a summary report, listing the main findings, limitations, and results of the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality.

Effects of Land Use on Evapotranspiration and Recharge in the Daly River Catchment

D. Wilson, P. Cook, L. Hutley, S. J. Tickell and P. Jolly
Department of Natural Resources the Environment and the Arts

This project measures components of the water balance under native savannah vegetation and cleared land within the Daly catchment. In particular, the project provides preliminary estimates of evapotranspiration and groundwater recharge beneath these different land uses. A comparison of drainage rates under native and cleared conditions was made using two techniques: (i) a surface water balance, (ii) subsurface water chemistry.

The results of this study must be treated as preliminary, only. This report indicates potentially significant consequences of land clearing. Further work is required to develop and test hypotheses using several years’ of data. Additionally, further work should incorporate a dynamic model of surface and subsurface hydrology to better understand the workings of the system.

A Late Dry Season Survey of the Katherine and Daly Rivers

E. White
Department of Lands Planning and Environment, Natural Resources Division

The aim of the survey was to determine the location and amount of groundwater inflows to the Katherine and Daly Rivers from the Oolloo Limestone aquifer. Recommendations have been suggested for further investigation regarding the determination of where and how much the Oolloo Limestone water is discharged into the Katherine and Daly Rivers.

Resource Partitioning among the freshwater turtles of the Daly River, Northern Territory.

M. Welsh
University of Canberra, 9/8/99

The primary aim of this study was to examine food and microhabitat partitioning among the freshwater turtles of the Daly River. Natural processes and species interactions were discussed to explain patterns of local species composition and overall species richness, and in addition, findings were discussed in regards to freshwater turtle conservation.

The thesis provides possible explanations for the high species richness in turtles in the Daly River and also information on the conservation of the turtles

Baseflow water quality surveys in rivers in the Northern Territory, Volume 2: Finniss and Daly Rivers

Water Resources Division
Department of Mines and Energy

This report contains the data collected on baseflow water quality surveys of the Finniss and Daly Rivers in the Northern Territory. The surveys were performed by Water Quality staff of the Water Resources Division, Department of Mines and Energy. The work was done in the Dry season of 1980, 1981, 1982. The data is presented in tables and in graphs showing water constituents levels against location in the river system. There is a catchment map for each river.

A number of plates are contain within the report, which indicates the condition of the sites studied, capturing the condition of the Daly River in the 1980's.

Baseflow water quality survey Oct 1982 : photographs showing the points sampled for water quality in the Daly river and its tributaries

Water Resources Division Water Quality section,

http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=WRD83090

Dry season stream flows in the Daly/Katherine rivers, 2008

S. J. Tickell
NRETAS, Natural Resources Division

Dry season stream gaugings and water quality sampling were done on the Daly River and some major tributaries in July and September/October 2008. During the dry season the Katherine/Daly rivers are largely fed by groundwater discharge from aquifers in the Daly Basin. Late dry season stream flows were relatively high compared to historic measurements.

Shallow core drilling in the Douglas/Daly area

S. J. Tickell
Department of Natural Resources Environment and the Arts, Natural Resources Division

This report documents the drilling results from a project as part of the “Water Quality in the Daly River” funded jointly by the National Action Plan for Salinity & Water Quality programme and the NT Government. The aim of the drilling was to provide strata samples beneath a representative set of soil types on cleared and uncleared areas.
Measurements of soil water chloride, moisture content and matric potential were made on the samples by CSIRO Land & Water and these will be reported on in the project’s final report. The vertical profiles of these parameters will be used to estimate groundwater recharge.

This report has a number of photographs that display the different soil types. There are also graphic logs of the strata and information on the surface geology and landforms.

Carbon Dating of Groundwaters in the Oolloo Dolostone Aquifer

S. J. Tickell
Department of Infrastructure Planning and Environment, Natural Resources Division

As part of a study of the Oolloo Dolostone aquifer, twelve samples of groundwater were submitted for carbon dating and deuterium / oxygen-18 determinations. The dissolved inorganic carbon was precipitated as BaC03 prior to shipment to CSIRO Land and Water Radiocarbon Laboratory .The technical report prepared by CSIRO is included as Appendix 1. It includes the uncorrected 14C ages and corrected ages using three geochemical models. Ten of the samples were taken from bores and two were from springs along the Daly River. Three bores located near the junction of the King and Katherine Rivers were sampled in October 2001 but were only tested for deuterium / oxygen-18.

A Survey of Springs along the Daly River

S. J. Tickell
Department of Infrastructure Planning and Environment, Natural Resources Division

Spring flow into the Daly River totalled some 19 cumecs in September 2001, representing the largest groundwater input to the Daly/Katherine river system. Springs and seepages occur along the whole length of the traverse but major discharges and /or concentrations of springs were identified in some five discrete zones. Numerous springs are visible in the riverbanks but the majority of the inflow is via direct seepage into the riverbed. The main source of the springs is a fractured and cavernous aquifer in the upper part of the Oolloo Dolostone, a massive dolostone unit.

This report provides information on the geology along the Daly River, thereare also riverbed profiles and detailed tables containing information on chemicals, river temperature and pH levels.

Groundwater Resources of the Stray Creek Area

S. J. Tickell
Department of Lands Planning and Environment, Natural Resources Division

The present study was carried out in order to assess the area’s groundwater potential. It involved reconnaissance geological mapping and drilling three investigation boreholes. The work was done in May and June of 2001. The report gives detail into groundwater and the geology along Stray Creek, which flows into the Daly River.

This report could be used to locate bores and identify geology to some depth around the Stray Creek area.

Katherine River Development

I. Smith
Department of Transport and Works, Water Division

This report examines hydrological parameters likely to affect the development of the Katherine River at and above the town of Katherine. Broad scale environmental and economic considerations led to a recommendation for development of the next phase of water supply to the town, such development being seen as the major influence in the medium term future of the river. A comparative summary of all water supply options considered suited to the growth of the town of Katherine is presented. In addition to town water supply the irrigation and hydroelectric generating capability of the river is examined at a major damsite (Keckwick) at the N.E. boundary of Katherine Gorge National Park.

Grain Sorghum Varieties for the Douglas Daly Region

P. Shotton
Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines

The main objective of this study was to grow and trial new and commercially available grain sorghum varieties at the Douglas Daly Research Farm (DDRF) to determine those suitable for the Douglas - Daly District. Over the past ten years replicated sorghum variety trials were conducted at DDRF. During the past six years sorghum seed supplied by the Pioneer and Pacific seed companies has been used. Among the varieties evaluated are those which have shown promise in past years and new varieties, which may suit the Top End climate. Trial results will provide yield and suitability information on commercially available varieties.

The report shows the results of different grain sorghum characteristics grown in the Daly Region

Recommendations for nutrient resource condition targets for the Daly River

J. Schult, S. Townsend, M. Douglas, I. Webster, S. Skinner and M. Casanova
Charles Darwin University

Dry season flows in the Daly River and its tributaries are supplied from groundwater. Nutrient concentrations entering the Daly River are primarily determined by their groundwater source, but concentrations within the river are determined by biological processes. The growth of algae is limited by both nitrogen and phosphorus and management needs to be directed towards both nutrients.

High nitrate concentrations in the Douglas River and their impact on Daly River water quality

J. Schult and R. Metcalfe
Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, Environment and Heritage Division, Aquatic Health Unit
The objectives of this study were to investigate whether high nitrate concentrations were present in the Douglas River in the 2004 dry season, measure dry season flows of the Douglas River, determine nutrient loads of the Douglas and Daly Rivers, determine how the nitrate-rich Douglas River mixes with the Daly River and examine if this nutrient enrichment has an effect on phytoplankton in the Daly River.

Carettochelys insculpta (pig-nosed turtle). Ectoparasites

R. A. Saumure and J. S. Doody
Herpetological Review, 31, 4, 237-238

Leeches were found parasitizing pig-nosed turtles captured in the Daly River at Oolloo crossing, Northern Territory, Australia, on October 26, 1996. This leech species, Placobdelloides bancrofti, has not been collected since the original description from the host turtle Emydura krefftii in the Burnett River, Queensland, Australia. Here the authors document a new host record and range extension of P. bancrofti, and the first hirudinean parasite for Carettochelys insculpta, the pig-nosed turtle.
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=fzh&AN=231801999993043&site=ehost-live

Stream flows and Water Quality parameters in the Daly Basin

A. J. Russ, D. K. Rance, S. Answer, P. Challinor, S. Cruikshank and G. Willis

Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts

In 2001 the Hydrographic unit, at the request of Resource Assessment, undertook a stream gauging exercise to determine the recessional flows into and from the Daly Basin groundwater systems. In June 2005 we were requested to repeat the exercise. The programme consisted of undertaking a series of gaugings and water quality parameters at a series of predefined locations.

Exotic grass invasion in the tropical savannah of northern Australia: ecosystem consequences

N. Rossiter, S. Setterfield, M. Douglas, L. Hutley and G. Cook
Weeds Society of New South Wales, 6-9 September 2004

Introduced African grasses are invading the tropical savannahs of northern Australia and displacing native grasses. A study aimed to quantify the effect of introduced gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) invasion on nitrogen availability and soil water dynamics over the wet season in a tropical savannah. It was found that, compared with sites dominated by native grasses, sites invaded by gamba grass had: greatly increased fire intensities, reduced available soil nitrate levels, trebled grass water use, and more than halved deep drainage of water. Gamba grass therefore has the ability to out-compete native grasses and alter catchment hydrology to the detriment of wetlands and streams.

Katherine flooding, 2003/2004 wet season

L. Rajaratnam, S. J. Tickell and R. Farrow
Department of Infrastructure Planning and Environment, Natural Systems Division, April 2004

The Katherine region and in particular the Tindal Creek catchment experienced well above average rainfall events during December 2003, February and March of 2004. The direct cause of the flooding was the several high daily rainfall events starting with the highest even on the 23rd December. The situation was worsened by the fact that the underlying limestone aquifer filled to overflowing in many areas. This has never been recorded before. In an average rainfall year a substantial proportion of rainfall drains directly underground via sinkholes, caves and factures in the rock. Above average rainfalls since the 19996/1997 wet season have raised regional watertables to their present high levels. Runoff has increased substantially this season because the high watertable has blocked downward drainage to the aquifer. Clearing, urbanisation and drain construction in the catchment have also added to increased runoff. The conveyance of the drainage system in Tindal Creek could not cope with this increased runoff and flooding occurred on both sides of Bicentennial Drive.

An assessment of the source of naturally occurring high concentrations of radium in groundwater of the Daly Basin.

H. Qureshi and P. Martin
Power and Water Authority

This report details the available historical data for the area between King and Edith Rivers, together with some additional radionuclide analyses undertaken to investigate the source of the radium. This work is performed to obtain background information needed for water resource management purposes.

Groundwater Modelling of the Tindal Limestone Aquifer

A. Puhalovich
EWL Sciences for the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment

This report looks at the interaction between the aquifer and Katherine River, and possible changes to river flow as a result of various groundwater use scenarios. The key issues relate to: understanding groundwater recharge rates and pre-development discharge rates to the Katherine River; assumptions concerning the conceptual hydrological model and refinements needed for previously developed groundwater models; the development scenarios and seasonal groundwater use patterns; and the timing and nature of surface water / groundwater interactions.

Lower Daly river basin investigation of flood protection and flood forecasting - projects 42 & 77

H. A. Power, D. G. Pidsley and R. J. Reinhard
Investigations Branch Darwin [Dept of Transport and Works]
http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=WRD80017

Katherine Water Supply and Sewerage Development Plan

Power and Water Authority
Through the development plan the aim was to provide background and information on the current Katherine Water Supply and Sewerage systems, outline future needs and alternatives, encourage Community participation and discussion of water and wastewater issues. Issues of relevance to this consultation process include; the cost of providing the water supply and sewerage services and tariff structures, the development of future water sources, the continued use of the Katherine River as a major water source, the levels of service desired, the degree of security of supply required to cover the low rainfall years and the costs involved, the management of water demand through more efficient use of water both inside the home and in the garden, the treatment and disposal of sewerage and reuse of effluent, horticultural use of Katherine River and possible future dams and the protection of water sources from pollution.

Analysis of the Lower Burdekin, Ord and Katherine-Douglas-Daly Irrigation Areas: Implications to future design and management of tropical irrigation

C. Petheram, S. J. Tickell, F. O'Gara, K. Bristow, A. Smith and P. Jolly
February 2008
This study examines three well known but different irrigation areas in northern Australia and seeks to draw out key experiences and lessons relevant to existing and future irrigation in the North. The three focus areas are the: Lower Burdekin (LB), Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA), and Katherine-Douglas-Daly-Area (KDDA). The Daly River has no in-stream storages yet maintains a relatively large dry season flow due to baseflow from groundwater inflow. It is these perennial flows and groundwater yields that make the region attractive to irrigators, and these same features make the Daly River an area of high ecological and cultural significance.

http://www.clw.csiro.au/publications/science/index.html

Irrigation in northern Australia: a comparative analysis of the lower Burdekin, Ord and Katherine-Douglas-Daly irrigation systems

C. Petheram, K. L. Bristow, T. Smith, S. J. Tickell, P. Jolly, F. O'Gara and C. Manning

Towards an understanding of the hydrological factors, constraints and opportunities for irrigation in northern Australia: A review.

C. Petheram and K. Bristow
February 2008
In this report we seek to lay foundations for understanding the hydrology of northern Australia, by providing a broad overview of the surface and groundwater resources with respect to irrigation development. In doing so we aim to: 1) provide a review of key literature on climate and hydrology in northern Australia, relevant to irrigation; and 2) highlight key bio-physical issues, opportunities and constraints for irrigation in northern Australia.
http://www.clw.csiro.au/publications/science/2008/sr13-08.pdf

Daly River Community Flood Study

J. Paiva
Department of Lands, Planning and Environment
In this report a flood frequency analysis of peak discharges at the Daly River community has been carried out, and the frequency of major flood related effects on the Daly River community have been determined using hydrological records available to date. Also, the flood forecasting and warning system for the Daly River Community and its current upgrade and capability have been described.

Review of water quality data in HYDSYS database for the Daly River basin

A. Padovan, S. Townsend and A. Vandenberg
Department of Lands, Planning and Environment, Natural Resources Division

This report evaluates the database, using the Daly River Basin as a case study, by assessing the number of sites sampled, the parameters tested and the number of results available. The most frequently sampled sites were for the Katherine River, close to Katherine township. The samples collected from these sites were tested for their properties that affect the supply of potable water to the township. Overall, there is a paucity of water quality data of ecological significance. The exception is conductivity, alkalinity and calium concentrations for the Katherine River near Katherine, and some lower reaches of the Daly and Douglas Rivers; data from these sites could provide information on seasonal and inter-annual water quality trends.

The report provides an overview of Natural Resources Division's water quality database from a water quality management perspective.

Tree Water Use and Sources of Transpired Water in Riparian Vegetation along the Daly River, Northern Territory

A. O'Grady, D. Eamus, P. Cook, S. Lamontagne, G. Kelley and L. Hutley
Environment Australia and National River Health Programme, 2002
This examines groundwater dependence and environmental flow requirements of the Daly River. In particular, this report examines the spatial and temporal patterns of water use by riparian vegetation along the Daly River. While water use requirements and groundwater dependence have been examined in a number of ecosystems around Australia, we believe that this is the first attempt to quantify the sources and water use requirements of riparian vegetation in tropical Australia for consideration in assessing the environmental flow requirements of riparian vegetation. Sources of water used by riparian vegetation along the Daly River were assessed by examining the isotopic composition, in particular the concentration of deuterium, in river water, groundwater, soil water and xylem water.

http://www.environment.gov.au/water/publications/environmental/rivers/nrhp/daly-river-2.html

Groundwater use by riparian vegetation in the wet-dry tropics of northern Australia

A. O'Grady, D. Eamus, P. Cook and S. Lamontagne
Australian Journal of Botany, 54, 2, 145-154,
A study assessing groundwater use by riparian vegetation along the Daly River NT. The riparian forest exhibited considerable structural and floristic complexity. More than 40 tree species were recorded and these exhibited a range of leaf phenologies, implying complex patterns of water resource partitioning. Water use was a function of species and season, and stand water use varied between 1.8 and 4.1mm/day. In general, water use tended to be higher in the wet season than during the dry season, reflecting the contribution to stand water use by dry season deciduous tree species. There was a strong relationship between stand basal area and stand water use in the wet season, but the strength of this relationship was lower in the dry season. The amount of groundwater use was principally a function of position in the landscape.

Irrigated Maize Production on Blain Soils at Douglas Daly Research Farm

F. O'Gara, S. Lucas, C. Ham and M. Hearnden
Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines
The main objective of this research was to determine the yield potential and agronomic requirements of irrigated maize in the Daly Basin. Maize is a minor crop in the NT but one of the few field crops that lend themselves to centre pivot irrigation in the dry-season. It is a good rotation crop with peanuts and is capable of producing high yields and moderate to good returns under good management. In the past, commercial maize yields have been disappointing due to grower inexperience with the crop under tropical conditions. For the past four years the Department has been evaluating commercial lines of maize under irrigation at Douglas Daly Research Farm (DDRF). The objective was to develop agronomic experience with the crop, to ascertain its potential under irrigation in rotation with peanuts and provide growers with specific recommendations on its production and management in this environment.

Evaluation of Wynn cassia (Chamaecrista rotundifolia) as a pasture and hay crop for the Douglas Daly area of the Northern Territory: Douglas Daly prod

F. O'Gara
Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development,
A producer initiated project was conducted to investigate the management of Wynn cassia (WC) and its value as a pasture and fodder crop under commercial conditions. Pure swards of WC consistently resulted in lower animal performance than alternative pastures, giving 20-30% lower live weight gain than other improved pastures. This could result in potential losses of over $200/ha depending on stocking rate and cattle prices.

An overview of fire management on Gregory National Park

Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Commission, August 1994
The Gregory National Park is located 100 km south of Katherine NT and is managed by the Northern Territory Conservation Commission. An overview is presented of the topography, burning practices, fauna and flora of the Park. The Park has a number of problems which result from its reduced usage by Aboriginal people and pastoralists. There are now fewer fires and greater fuel loads, and fire when it does arrive is a cataclysmic event which affects a large area. A fire management strategy is proposed which endeavours to cope with issues of wildfires, public safety and protection of assets. It will aim to deal with the distance and isolation, to produce a fire regime with a variety of fire types which have a variety of intensities according to vegetation type and timing according to the prevailing climatic conditions.

An Introduction to the Aboriginal People of the Daly River Region: Their History, Land and Sites

Northern Land Council and Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority,
The aims of this paper are to describe the essential features of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal historical contact (Section 1); to act as a guide to the nature of Aboriginal attachment to the Daly River Catchment and Focus areas (Section 2); and to document the importance of sacred sites to Aboriginal people and discuss means by which such areas are protected.

The report was concerned with the history of Aboriginal presence within, and in close proximity to, the Daly Region Focus Area. In the report there are lists of the Aboriginal groups associated with the catchment area or associated with the Focus Area along with their geographical locations.

This report presents detailed information on the general effects on the Aboriginal population of non-Aboriginal settlement and provides details on sacred sites and their protection.

Spatial Analysis of Stream Runoff Response in the Tropical River Region

D. Moliere, G. Boggs and J. Lowry
Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist and Charles Darwin University, As part of a large-scale project for the integrated data assessment and analysis of Australia’s tropical rivers, an attempt has been made to estimate the hydrological characteristics of some of the river catchments throughout the tropical rivers region of the Northern Territory. Stream runoff response, in particular, has important implications for water quality monitoring within a catchment. General diurnal patterns at stations within the Daly and the East and South Alligator river catchments were derived using long-term rainfall and streamflow data collected at each station. The general runoff response of a stream was determined from the diurnal rainfall and runoff patterns.

Water resources of Wadeye (Port Keats) and Naiyu (Daly River) region, technical report

A. Matsuyama, T. Haig and T. Tien
Dept of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, Natural Systems Division http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=WRD03031

Water resources Wadeye (Port Keats) and Nauiyu (Daly River) region, traditional knowledge report

A. Matsuyama and T. Haig
Dept of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, Natural Systems Division
http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=WRD03030

Water Resources of Wadeye (Port Keats) and Nauiyu (Daly River) region, main report

A. Matsuyama and T. Haig
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment
The water resources of the Daly River/ Port Keats and Malak-Malak Aboriginal Land trusts were mapped, described and evaluated. The traditional knowledge that the Aboriginal people hold in regards to their water resources was incorporated into the technical study. A set of decision-making tools comprised of reports, maps and an interactive CD-ROM was developed as a result of the study.
http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=WRD03029

Economic importance of the wetlands in the Mary and the Daly River catchments in Northern Australia

C. Mabire
Wageningen University

This report is studying the economic benefits provided by the wetlands in the Northern Territory in Australia. Expressing the wetland's values in monetary terms is a common and tangible way to discuss the preferences through choices and tradeoffs that stakeholders make. Thus, this study focuses on the socio economic characteristics providing an overview of the economic benefits provided by a range of selected goods and services.

Soils of the 1981 cleared areas, A.D.M.A. Douglas-Daly project farms

S. J. Lucas
Conservation Commisssion of the Northern Territory, Land Conservation Unit http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=LRD85008

Land units of the Douglas Daly A.D.M.A. acquistion area, NT.

S. J. Lucas
Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory, Land Conservation Unit
http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=LRD83010

Field, Laboratory and climatic data associated with hydrological studies in the Daly Basin, Northern territory Part 1: The Douglas Study Area

S. Lucas
Conservation Commission of the NT, Land Conservation Unit
http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=LRD85020

Soils of the Tipperary experiment site Douglas/Daly research farm

S. Lucas
Conservation Commission of the NT, Land Conservation unit
http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=LRD84006

Inviting trouble: introduced pasture species in northern Australia

W. M. Lonsdale
Australian Journal of Ecology, 19, 345-354

Rates of spread of an invading species: Mimosa pigra in northern Australia

W. M. Lonsdale
Journal of Ecology 81, 3, 513-521, 1993

Mimosa pigra, a woody weed, has invaded the wetlands of Northern Territory. This study examined the weed's expansion and tested the assumptions and predictions of Skellam's model for aerial spread, investigated the roles of wind, flood waters and buffalo, and compared the plant's rate of increase on local and geographical scales. Skellam' s model was found to be an inadequate descriptor of spread. There was a close correlation between the increase in the area colonised by the plant and the rainfall in the previous wet season. There was no evidence for the popular perception that feral buffalo grazing suppressed the weed, nor that the removal of grazing pressure caused an upsurge in the weed. Spread behaviour on a local scale was found to be applicable on a larger scale.

The Northern Territory’s Daly River catchment planning exercise

M. N. Liddy
Australia, Dept of the Environment and Heritage,
Mona Nungula Liddy, a Wagiman elder, provides an account of her experience as a member of the Daly River Community Reference Group.
http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2006/publications/integrative/indigenous/daly-river.html

Changes in the distribution and abundance of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in the upstream, freshwater reaches of rivers in the Northern T

M. Letnic and G. Connors
Wildlife Research, 33, 7, 529-538,

Since they were declared a protected species in 1971, populations of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) have increased in the tidal rivers, freshwater swamps and marine waters of the Northern Territory. The recovery of the C. porosus population has been accompanied by an increase in the incidence of 'problem crocodiles' that represent a threat to people in freshwater and marine habitats. In this study, we examined the density and body-size structure of C. porosus populations in three freshwater rivers using a combination of data from spotlight and helicopter surveys conducted between the 1980s and 2005, and the inland extent of C. porosus using distribution records in the Northern Territory. Since the 1980s, the density of C. porosus in upstream, freshwater reaches of the Daly and Roper rivers has increased, as has the inland extent of C. porosus on the Daly River. Although C. porosus was not detected in spotlight surveys of the Victoria River, helicopter survey and anecdotal records indicate that C. porosus was present after 1989.
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspxdirect=true&db=fzh&AN=02010304799399534008&site=ehost-live

Preliminary appraisal of the geology and hydrogeology of the Daly basin

A. T. Laws
[NT Admin], Water Resources Branch,
http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=WRD68036

Speleological Assessment of Karst Aquifers Developed within the Tindall Limestone Katherine, N.T.

S. Lauritzen and D. Karp
Power and Water Authority,
This report is an interim report describing assessment results of the Karst hydrogeology in the Katherine area, NT. Two main areas were investigated; the Cutta Cutta Cave Reserve south-west of Katherine, and the Kintore Cave Reserve, north-west of Katherine. The scope of the project was to become acquainted with the Karst landform style in the area, to analyse a few selected caves for their paleohydrology and structure; and to date the development sequences in the caves and provide a uranium concentration history of the percolation water at the sites.

Weber's mudskipper Periophthalmus weberi: new record for the Daly River

H. K. Larson
Northern Territory Naturalist, 20, 19-21,

Weber's mudskipper is restricted to Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea and associated with tidal fresh waters in the areas of mangrove and nipa palms. Specimens were collected in Elizabeth Creek in June 2007 during the 'Water regime dependence of fish in the wet-dry tropics'' collaborative project.

Groundwater use by vegetation in a tropical savannah riparian zone (Daly River, Australia)

S. Lamontagne, P. G. Cook, A. O'Grady and D. Eamus
Journal of Hydrology, 310, 1-4, 280-293, 2005
Soil water matric potentials and the deuterium composition at natural abundance levels of xylem water, soil water, river water and groundwater were used to evaluate whether trees use groundwater during the dry season in the riparian zone of the Daly River (Northern Territory, Australia). Groundwater was a significant source of water for plant transpiration, probably accounting for more than 50% of the water transpired during the dry season. Use of groundwater varied between species. A decline in the regional water table as a result of groundwater pumping may affect the health of riparian zone vegetation in the Daly River because groundwater use is significant during the dry season.
doi:10.1016/j.jhydrol.2005.01.009