Restoration Plan

Monitoring and Evaluation

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SECTION D MONITORING & EVALUATION

D3.0 Indicators of change

The effectiveness of monitoring is dependent upon having indicators that are representative of the resource condition or practice change that is expected through implementation of the planned actions. Selection of indicators depends on a range of criteria, described by the SMART acronym:

SimpleEasily interpreted, easily monitored, appropriate for community use, mappable.
MeasurableStatistically verifiable, reproducible and comparable, able to be combined with others to forms of indices, able to show trends over time.
AccessibleRegularly monitored, currently used by public and private managers, costeffective.
RelevantIndicative of resource condition change or practice change.
Time-boundMeasure that show change within time periods that relate to targets.

Catchment Health indicators are identified for the Goals and Objectives in Table D1. These are to reflect the characteristics for which the community expects change (as proposed in Appendix 5). Measurement of these indicators is to be based on measures of community perception of change through periodic social surveys. These indicators are important to demonstrate to the community that their aspirations for a healthy catchment in the future are progressing according to the Vision statement. The indicators for community goals and objectives may not meet all SMART criteria.

Indicators are listed for Resource Condition Targets and Management Action Targets for the seven Management Themes in Table D1 (a-g). These indicators are identified as measures to be taken that objectively indicate change. The significance of these measures is in providing information for decisions undertaken within the Adaptive Management Framework.

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THEME 1 - WATER QUALITY & ALGAL BLOOMS

INDICATORS OF CHANGE
FOR GOALS, OBJECTIVES
AND TARGETS
ACTIONSCOMMENTS
GOAL (2025)
Water in Lake Powell, Lake Manarup and Torbay Inlet is suitable for the survival and growth of native aquatic plants and animals and algal blooms are minimal.

Water in Marbellup Brook remains suitable for drinking. Other waterways and waterbodies are suitable for recreation, domestic and agricultural use.

Observations of frequency and size of algal blooms.

Complaints of mal-odours.

Can you drink the water?

Can you swim in the water?



OBJECTIVES
The source and pathways for mobile nutrients, sediments and contaminants within the catchment are known and managed so that:
  • There are no fish kills due to poor water quality

  • The incidence of algal blooms is reduced

  • The transport of nutrients, sediments and contaminants into waterways and wetlands is minimised

  • Management practices are adopted that minimise public health and environmental risks for drinking water from Marbellup Brook.
Records of fish kills.

See T1RCT1

See T1MAT1

See T1RCT2

Increase public awareness to ensure fish kills are reported. Signs about fish kills in the catchment are required
RESOURCE CONDITION CHANGE TARGET

T1RCT1
Reduce by a third the incidence of algal blooms in Torbay Inlet, Lake Powell and Marbellup Brook by 2025

Routine phytoplankton sampling.Initiate sampling on a routine basis with a frequency that ensures all algal blooms are sampled.The frequency of sampling may alter during the year according to seasonal risk of algal blooms.
T1RCT2
Nutrient loads discharge from the sub-catchments are reduced to the following targets by 2020:

WaterwayCurrent Median Nutrient Concentration (mg/L)Target Median Nutrient Concentration (mg/L)
TNTPTNTP
Torbay Main Drain1.800.1101.200.090
Marbellup Brook0.680.0770.600.065
Seven Mile Creek1.000.1300.680.100
Five Mile Creek1.350.4601.00To be set
Cuthbert Drain2.450.0592.000.059
Grasmere Drain1.400.2001.200.150

Annual flow-weighted measures at existing gauging stations.Existing monitoring.
T1RCT3
The quality of water in Marbellup Brook meets national criteria for public drinking water supply (NHMRC & ARMCANZ, 1996) by 2015.
Routine sampling of salinity, nutrients and potential pathogens (eg. E. coli counts). Standard water quality monitoring procedures.
MANAGEMENT ACTION TARGETS

T1MAT1.
Discharge of nutrients to the Torbay catchment from the disposal of wastewater does not increase beyond current levels of nitrogen and phosphorus per annum (as approved through the Ministerial Conditions).

Measurement of TN and TP at Seven Mile Creek gauging station. Continue with existing measurement.
T1MAT2(a)
All third and fourth-order waterways in Marbellup have permanent vegetated stream buffers established by 2010.

T1MAT2(b)
By 2015, 70% of all first and second order streams have permanent perennial vegetation.

The length (km) of waterways fenced annually.

The length (km) of waterways with permanent revegetation established annually.

GIS map to show length of waterways currently fenced and the annual additional length of fencing Communications should express this indicator as a percentage (%) of all 3rd and 4th -order waterways that are fenced on an annual basis.

As above for 1st and 2nd-order waterways.

T1MAT3.
Three trial demonstrations of nutrient reduction from stream flow and sediments implemented by 2007.
Implementation of three demonstration sites.

T1MAT4.
Future land use development in the Marbellup Brook catchment complies with public water supply objectives for the catchment.
Audit of compliance of conditions imposed on development approvals. Initiate compliance assessment processes for the Marbellup Brook catchment as a part of the Public Drinking Water Source Protection Plan.
THEME 2 - WATER QUANTITY

INDICATORS OF CHANGE
FOR GOALS, OBJECTIVES
AND TARGETS
ACTIONSCOMMENTS
GOALS (2025).
Water is allocated for sustainable use while ensuring that adequate water is provided to all waterways and wetlands to protect their environmental values.
Observations of bird populations, fish stocks and fringing vegetation condition. Long-term community-based monitoring of bird species richness and abundance is a valuable indicator of environmental values. Opportunity for routine involvement by Birds Australia and affiliated organisations in systematic surveys and monitoring.
OBJECTIVES
  • Flow in Marbellup Brook is adequate to maintain ecological requirements.

  • Water regimes in Lake Powell, Lake Manarup and Torbay Inlet are suitable for the survival and growth of native aquatic plants and animals.

  • The drainage district is managed to meet the needs of current land uses, future land uses, and the environment.

  • Those who benefit from the use of the catchment to provide ecosystem services contribute to the costs of restoration.
  • Stream flow measurement downstream from future surface water extraction point for public water supply.

    See T2RCT1

    SeeT2RCT2

    Annual fees collected for ecosystem services.

    This measure to be assessed against objective Environmental Water Requirement criteria - yet to be determined.

    See T6MAT8 for actions.

    There is considerable social and administrative change required to meet this objective. The indicator is expected to remain zero for at least 3 years.
    RESOURCE CONDITION CHANGE TARGET

    T2RCT1
    Major wetlands and waterways are receiving adequate water throughout each year to maintain ecological functions by 2015.

    Measures of depth and period of inundation in the respective water bodies.These measures to be compared against minimum water criteria - yet to be determined.
    T2RCT2
    Maximum use of surface water and groundwater resources for private and public benefit within identified sustainable yield.
    Estimates of water availability according to a water allocation plan. Prepare a broad water allocation plan which includes Environmental Water Requirements.
    MANAGEMENT ACTION TARGETS

    T2MAT1.
    Environmental Water Requirements are determined for Marbellup Brook, Lake Powell, Lake Manarup and Torbay Inlet by 2007.

    Peer-reviewed report prepared. Arrange standard format for assessment of Environmental Water Requirements.
    T2MAT2.
    Water resources in the Marbellup Brook Catchment are proclaimed under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act (1914) and a Water Resource Allocation Plan is prepared, including an assessment of changing land use and climate change, by 2007.
    Water Resource Allocation Plan is prepared for the proclaimed catchment.

    THEME 3 - DRAINAGE MANAGEMENT

    INDICATORS OF CHANGE
    FOR GOALS, OBJECTIVES
    AND TARGETS
    ACTIONSCOMMENTS
    GOAL (2025)
    Drainage in the Torbay district is managed to best meet the needs of current land uses, future land uses, and the environment.
    Community acceptance that drainage is well managed.
    Complaints from community about mal-odours, risk of flooding, impacts on fishing etc. are a good measure of community acceptance.
    OBJECTIVES
  • The impact of flooding on horticulture is minimised

  • Flooding in residential areas is minimised

  • The potential adverse effects of drainage management on fisheries in minimised (including commercial fisheries and native fish species)

  • The impact of drainage management on algal blooms is minimised

  • The drainage system is managed to prevent or minimise sedimentation of receiving water bodies.
  • Successful production of potatoes.

    Records of flood impacts.

    Reduced commercial fish harvest attributed to drainage management.

    See T1RCT1

    See T3RCT2



    RESOURCE CONDITION CHANGE TARGET

    T3RCT1
    Lake Manarup, Lake Powell and Torbay Inlet are restored as functional wetland ecosystems (as indicated by successful breeding populations of waterbirds) by 2025.

    See T2RCT1 and T2RCT2

    T3RCT2
    Sediment transport in drains and sediment deposition in Torbay Inlet and Lake Powell and is reduced by 50% by 2010.
    The lake bed level (metres AHD)Repeat surveys of lake bed bathymetry (standard monitoring transects only, not comprehensive survey).The detailed bathometric survey provides a basis for measuring increase in sediment deposition in the lake beds.
    T3RCT3
    The quality of water in all parts of the drainage system is suitable for direct contact recreational use by 2025.
    Water quality measures in North Creek and Marbellup Drain. Routine water quality monitoring sites to be initiated.Tasks may be suitable for community involvement through 'Ribbons of Blue' program.
    MANAGEMENT ACTION TARGETS

    T3MAT1.
    Options for change to drainage management to maximise water quality and public amenity in Marbellup Brook (including the section downstream of the Marbellup Plug) and Lake Powell are fully assessed by 2006

    Reviewed documentation of the assessment of drainage options. Actions are listed in Section C.
    T3MAT2.
    The required regime for salt water flushing and maintenance of adequate water depth to improve environmental values in Torbay Inlet is identified and agreed between key stakeholders, and is being implemented through management of sandbar openings by 2007.
    Record of artificial sandbar openings in comparison with an agreed regime for salt water flushing. Actions in Section C for developing the agreed sandbar opening regime.
    T3MAT3.
    Lake Manarup is being maintained with adequate water to ensure ecological function (without disadvantage to Lake Powell and Torbay Inlet) by 2007.
    See T2RCT1 and T2RCT2

    T3MAT4.
    Public and private drains identified with high risk of erosion or sediment transport are permanently stabilised by 2010.
    Length of drain (km) stabilised. Initial actions to identify the extent of drains at risk to erosion. The indicator should be communicated as a percentage (%) of the total length of drainage at risk.
    T3MAT5.
    The processes and extent to which sulphuric acid, nutrients and other potential pollutants are released from acid sulphate soils due to the current operating strategy of the drainage systems is known by 2006.
    Peer-reviewed report based on field survey and measurement completed.

    THEME 4 - HABITAT & BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT

    INDICATORS OF CHANGE
    FOR GOALS, OBJECTIVES
    AND TARGETS
    ACTIONSCOMMENTS
    GOAL (2025)
    Biodiversity values are enhanced through improvement in the habitat of wetlands, waterways, the bush and the coast.
    Community perception of biodiversity enhancement.

    OBJECTIVES
  • Minimum water quality and depth for aquatic ecosystem functions in wetlands is maintained,

  • The condition of foreshore vegetation and in-stream habitat is maintained or improved,

  • The habitat value and habitat connectivity for native fauna is improve and increased,

  • Population sizes and diversity of native freshwater fish and crustacea are maintained,

  • Requirements for fish passage and spawning in waterways are maintained,

  • Representative and adequate areas of pre-European vegetation types are retained,

  • The impact of exotic pest animal species on native fauna is reduced, and

  • The impact of weeds on native vegetation and aquatic ecosystem is reduced.
  • See T2RCT1 and T2RCT2

    Foreshore conditions survey scores.
    The percentage (%) of tree cover in the catchment.

    See T4MAT7

    See T4 MAT7

    Percentage (%) of vegetation types in reserves and other protected areas.

    Relative abundance of exotic pest animals.

    Measure of relative extent (Ha) of priority weeds.



    RESOURCE CONDITION CHANGE TARGETS

    T4RCT1
    Major wetland systems have suitable water quality and adequate water depth for sustainable ecosystem functions by 2025.
    (NOTE: actions for this target are included in Themes 1, 2, 3 & 5).

    See T2RCT1 and T2RCT2

    T4RCT2
    All 'pristine' foreshore vegetation (Class A) is permanently maintained and all 'good' foreshore vegetation (Class B) is returned to `pristine' condition by 2025.
    Foreshore vegetation survey scores (Pen and Scott, 1995)

    T4RCT3
    All 3rd and 4th-order waterways have established permanent foreshore vegetation by 2010.
    See T1MAT2(a)

    T4RCT4
    Identified waterway corridors are established for wildlife habitat as a part of a regional 'macro-corridor' by 2015.
    Length (km) of wildlife corridors established.Macro-corridor plan for the catchment to be finalised. Note links to actions in T1MAT2(b).Indicator should be communicated as a percentage (%) of the total length of wildlife corridor establishment proposed for the Torbay catchment.
    T4RCT5
    Sedge lands and other vegetation types with inadequate regional representation are being managed for permanent protection by 2015.
    See T4MAT2Mapping required to establish the area that requires protection.
    T4RCT6
    All major wetlands have permanent functioning foreshore vegetation ecosystems by 2015.
    Foreshore vegetation survey score.Need to establish the required width of foreshore vegetation for ecosystem functions.
    T4RCT7
    Populations of native fish and crustacea are maintained or are increasing to sustainable numbers within aquatic ecosystem communities by 2025.
    Measures of aquatic species richness and abundance.

    MANAGEMENT ACTION TARGETS

    T4MAT1a.
    More than 150km of priority waterways within the Torbay catchment currently unfenced are fenced and revegetated according to local 'best practice' for permanent management of foreshore vegetation by 2010.

    The length (km) of waterways fenced and revegetated. Maps to be prepared to show the priority areas for waterway fencing and revegetation.The indicator is best communicated as a percentage (%) of the total length of waterways on a sub-catchment basis.
    T4MAT1b. A further 100km of vegetated stream buffers are established according to priority areas by 2010.The length (km) of stream buffers established.
    The indicator is best communicated as a percentage (%) of the total length of waterways on a sub-catchment basis.
    T4MAT3.
    All viable remnant vegetation patches of regionally inadequate vegetation types greater than 1 Ha are fenced and managed according to local 'best practice' by 2010.
    The area (Ha) of remnant vegetation fenced for each vegetation type.
    The indicator is best communicated as a percentage (%) of the total area of each vegetation type within the Torbay catchment.
    T4MAT4.
    More than 75% of the length of foreshore for Lake Powell, Lake Manarup and Torbay Inlet have a minimum 20 metre foreshore vegetation margin by 2015.
    Length (km) of foreshore vegetation.Mapping required to establish the current extent and priority areas for restoration.
    T4MAT5.
    Priority environmental weeds are mapped and have management programs for control to achieve 10% per annum reduction, with total control by 2015.
    The percentage (%) annual reduction in the mapped area of priority environmental weeds.Mapping required for the current extent of priority environmental weeds.
    T4MAT6.
    The environmental requirements of freshwater and marine fish and crustacea in waterways and wetlands of the Torbay catchment are understood and being managed by 2010.
    Measures of aquatic species richness and abundance.

    THEME 5 - FARMING SYSTEMS

    INDICATORS OF CHANGE
    FOR GOALS, OBJECTIVES
    AND TARGETS
    ACTIONSCOMMENTS
    GOAL (2025)
    The farming communities have adopted 'best practice' systems for sustainable land use resulting in measurable agricultural and environmental benefits.
    Number of farms adopting 'best management practices' BMP for each industry needs to be defined. Surveys of BMP adoption required.
    OBJECTIVES
  • Sustainable farming systems are developed to maximise the efficiency of use of fertilisers, chemicals and energy

  • Farm nutrient loss is reduced

  • Soil loss from farms is reduced

  • The impact of weeds on agricultural production is reduced.
  • Locally acceptable 'Best Management Practice' information sheets are prepared.

    Percentage (%) nutrient load reduction shown by voluntary farm nutrient auditing.

    Turbidity measures at stream gauging stations

    The percentage (%) annual reduction in the mapped area of priority agricultural weeds.

    Action for development of BMPs in Section C.

    Linked to actions for farm nutrient audits and nutrient budgets in Section C.

    Mapping required for the current extent of priority agricultural weeds.

    Existing monitoring information.
    RESOURCE CONDITION CHANGE TARGETS

    T5RCT1
    The total catchment nutrient load is reduced by 38% for nitrogen and 24% for phosphorus by 2025.

    Analysis of soil test results for Total Phosphorus at 5-year intervals.

    Analysis of farm nutrient audits for Total Nitrogen at 5-year intervals.

    Link to actions for increased adoption of soils testing. Arrange for results to be coordinated on a catchment-scale.

    Link to actions for adoption of farm nutrient audits and budgets. Arrange for results to be coordinated on a catchment-scale.

    See also T1RCT2 for nutrient reduction in stream flow.
    MANAGEMENT ACTION TARGETS

    T5MAT1.
    Intensive animal industries and annual horticulture located in high or medium risk sites have adopted management practices that result in a reduction of the current industry nutrient surplus by 40% by 2010.

    On-site monitoring of nutrients according to nutrient management plans. Link to Action 3 (Section C)
    T5MAT2.
    More than half of the landholders in the Torbay catchment, who derive more than 50% of their income from farming their properties, have prepared a 'farm nutrient surplus' calculation and response plan by 2010.
    Records of preparation of calculations and response plans. Link to Actions 1-3 (Section C) Key task for TCG Coordinator.
    T5MAT3.
    More than 30 viable farming enterprises have nutrient management plans and are demonstrating achievement of defined nutrient surplus reduction targets without production loss by 2010.
    Response to landholder survey undertaken at 5-year intervals. Standardise baseline information to ensure surveys are undertaken in a consistent way. Assessment of current level of adoption to be documented.
    T5MAT4.
    A total of 75% of land used for grazing is established with perennial plants (trees, shrubs or pastures) by 2015.
    Response to landholder survey undertaken at 5-year intervals. As above. Need to assess the extent of existing perennial plant cover. Proposed actions will assess the benefits for nutrient management by increasing the extent of cover.
    THEME 6 - LAND USE PLANNING

    INDICATORS OF CHANGE
    FOR GOALS, OBJECTIVES
    AND TARGETS
    ACTIONSCOMMENTS
    GOAL (2025)
    Regional and local planning provides the policies and mechanisms to implement new actions that are beneficial for natural resource condition, ensure that land is used according to its capability and that further agricultural, industrial, commercial or residential development within the catchment does not compromise the environment.
    Survey of community perception of sustainable land use practice within the catchment. Link to community survey processes. An informed community will provide a clear perception about the extent to which sustainable practices are adopted.
    OBJECTIVES
  • Future land use, including new development proposals, should not exceed the capability of land resources and should demonstrate net nutrient reduction compared to current land use,

  • Land use intensification and further residential development within defined floodplain and buffer areas for Lake Powell, Ewart Swamp, Lake Manarup and Torbay Inlet are controlled according to environmental management guidelines,

  • Construction of new public and private drains and maintenance of existing drains does not increase the risk of flooding, nutrient enrichment, acidification and sedimentation of waterways and wetlands.

  • Priority water resources are protected for beneficial use now and into the future,

  • Commercial tree plantations are controlled to ensure beneficial groundwater resources are not reduced and that the landscape visual amenity is maintained,

  • Future townsite growth within the catchment does not result in increased nutrient input to waterways and wetlands,

  • The area of reserves or other secure arrangements for wetland and biodiversity conservation are increased in priority locations,

  • The value of 'environmental services' to the City of Albany provided from the Torbay catchment is realised and arrangements are developed for payment by those that benefit,

  • The current landscape mosaic characterised by agriculture and natural vegetation is maintained, and

  • Rural lifestyle and social values, including passive and active recreation opportunities, are enhanced.
  • See T6MAT1

    See T6MAT2

    See T6MAT3

    See T6MAT4

    See T6MAT5

    See T6MAT6

    See T6MAT7

    See T6MAT8

    Response to community survey about landscape values.

    Response to community survey about recreational opportunities.



    MANAGEMENT ACTION TARGETS

    T6MAT1
    Assessment of all applications for land development or sub-division are based on a revised land capability analysis framework for the Torbay catchment using currently available land resource information and adopt 'Net Nutrient Reduction' principles for planning proposals by 2007.

    Compliance audits for conditions for environmental management listed for new developmentsPrepare 'check-list' of conditions for compliance auditing.Arrange for information about the Watershed Torbay Catchment Restoration Plan to be provided with all development approvals so that the proponents are informed about the purpose of the audit procedures and support this purpose.
    T6MAT2
    Assessment of all applications for land development or sub-division are based on a revised land capability analysis framework for the Torbay catchment using currently available land resource information by 2007.
    Records of statutory application assessment processes.
    Arrange with CoA to maintain records of adoption of land capability by proponents for development applications.
    T6MAT3
    All proposals for additional deep drainage and significant maintenance works within the Torbay catchment are assessed as Development Applications and on the basis of a presumption against drainage in areas identified at risk by 2007.
    Records of statutory application assessment processes.
    As above.
    T6MAT4.
    The Water Resource Protection Plan for the Marbellup Brook sub-catchment is recognised as a priority area within the Lower Great Southern Regional Planning Strategy and the Local Planning Strategy and Town Planning Scheme for the City of Albany by 2007.
    Adoption within the planning documents.

    T6MAT5
    Proposals for commercial tree plantations within identified priority areas of the Torbay catchment are assessed as Development Applications through the TPS for the City of Albany with the presumption against this development in these areas by 2007.
    Records of statutory application assessment processes.
    Arrange with CoA to maintain records of adoption of land capability by proponents for development applications.
    T6MAT6.
    Urban growth in the town of Elleker is planned to ensure no additional risk to waterways and wetlands and that the potential for flooding of residential development is minimal by 2007.
    Records of statutory application assessment processes for residential development.
    As above.
    T6MAT7.
    Priority areas for conservation protection or enhancement are identified and linked to local government and regional planning processes by 2007.
    Adoption of defined priority areas within planning documents. Link to Actions 1-2 (Section C)
    T6MAT8.
    The value of ecosystem services is understood and a trial system for compensation under a 'beneficiary pays' principle within the City of Albany is established by 2008.
    Survey of community attitude within the City of Albany. Prepare information for community about 'ecosystem services', particularly with Case Studies and an outline of the proposed trial. Liaison with the Water Corporation and the City of Albany require through all stages of this target area.
    T6MAT9.
    Priority Agricultural Areas in the Torbay catchment are revised and a preferred landscape description prepared for consideration by regional and planning processes by 2005.
    Adoption of revised areas within planning documents.
    Development of a preferred landscape description to be undertaken by TCG with close cooperation of CoA and DPI.
    T6MAT10.
    Opportunities for increased social and recreational values within the Torbay catchment have been reviewed through regional and local government planning processes by 2007.
    Adoption of revised areas within planning documents.
    TCG to propose opportunities for increased social and recreational values to CoA and DPI.
    THEME 7 - COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND INFORMATION

    INDICATORS OF CHANGE
    FOR GOALS, OBJECTIVES
    AND TARGETS
    ACTIONSCOMMENTS
    GOAL (2025)
    The community and partners understand the values of the catchment and are pro-active in implementing on ground works to achieve the shared vision for the catchment.
    Survey of community perception of catchment values and the effectiveness of the Restoration Plan.
    This will be a strong indication of the effectiveness of information and communication strategies.
    OBJECTIVES
  • All key stakeholders are willingly involved in implementing the restoration plan.

  • There is a high level of community awareness about the values of the catchment and about the best practices for sustainable management.

  • Further research in the catchment addresses priority issues, meeting community needs and is communicated to increase community understanding of environmental processes.

  • There is a significant level of community involvement in reviewing the restoration plan on a five yearly basis.
  • Landholder survey to show level of adoption of proposed actions at 5-year intervals.

    Survey of community perception of catchment values and the effectiveness of the Restoration Plan.

    Survey of community understanding of key environmental processes and priority issues.

    The attendance/number of responses to processes for reviewing the plan.


    Effective communication required for this objective.

    Workshop survey processes expected as a part of reviewing the Restoration Plan.

    MANAGEMENT ACTION TARGETS

    T7MAT1
    More than half of landholders and residents in the Torbay catchment are able to express clear understanding and support for the catchment Vision and restoration plan by 2010.

    Response to a landholder and community survey held at 5-year intervals. Clarify the criteria to measure 'understanding and support' for use in the survey. Document current information about community understanding and support.
    T7MAT2.
    More than 40% of landholders are attending at least one group event annually and have copies of or direct access to current research and information relevant to actions for implementation of the Restoration Plan by 2010.
    Attendance at field days or other information dissemination events.

    Response to landholder and community survey about access to information.



    Table D1 - Themes 1-7