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.