Map Maker returns to active duty
A NEW Map Maker for the Victoria River District of the NT is now
available on the TS–CRC website, and has many new functions.
For example, a particular map feature like a river or road can be
selected, and the different vegetation types within a certain
distance of that feature can be identified. It can also generate
maps of vegetation, soils or land systems, together with
information on these features. These maps can be made at scales
from the whole VRD down to a few square kilometres and can be
overlaid with property boundaries, river courses, roads, etc. Fire
histories of the VRD can also be viewed and cross-referenced with
information such as tenure type, rainfall, vegetation and soil
patterns. A new online database of research references is being
developed and will be accessible by the end of December, complete
with a section that allows researchers to submit their own
bibliographies.
Go to the Map Maker.
Queensland launches fire-detection website
QUEENSLAND has now set up its own fire detection website. Developed
by the Department of Natural Resources & Mines (NRM), the site
aims to help the state’s Rural Fire Service to quickly locate
and track active fires throughout the state. It is also being used
by landholders, natural resource managers and the Australian
Defence Force. Information is generated by NRM’s satellite
receiving station at Indooroopilly in Brisbane, which processes
images acquired from three United States satellites that pass over
Queensland up to 12 times a day. Additional information can be
overlaid such as shire boundaries, major roads and towns. NRM also
offers subscribers a free automated email service that alerts them
to fires within nominated geographical areas. The website is also
being used to monitor strategic aerial burning as part of a Natural
Heritage Trust-funded project in the Cape York Peninsula aimed at
controlling late dry season wildfires (see
Savanna Links
, Issue 18, link below).
Go to: Fire monitor website,
see web link below
.
Future of rural land
A DISCUSSION paper is open for comment on Queensland’s rural
leasehold land. It explores issues such as land degradation,
economic viability and social and cultural sustainability. The
paper is available for public comment until 1 April 2002, and is on
the Qld Dept. Natural Resources & Mines website. Hardcopies
will be available shortly at the agency’s regional offices.
Stakeholder workshops are also planned during the consultation
period.
Go to NRM website,
see link below.
Streamlined departments for NT
NEW government agency arrangements in the NT will see the number or
departments fall from 35 to 18, an almost 50 per cent reduction.
The Department of Infrastructure, Planning & Environment now
contains what used to be the Departments of Lands, Planning &
Environment, the Parks & Wildlife Commission, and the
Department of Transport & Works. The Department of Primary
Industries and Fisheries, along with the Departments of Mines &
Energy and of Asian Relations & Trade is now part of the new
Department of Business, Industry & Resource Development.
Go to NT Government website,
see link below
.
Digital vegetation maps
A DIGITAL version of ‘The Vegetation of the Australian
Tropical Savannas’ map is now available from the Queensland
Herbarium. People wishing to acquire the data must sign a licensing
agreement. The dataset is available for cost of supply at $120.00
(ex. GST). The technical report is currently in preparation and
should be available by mid-December. It is to be published on
CD-ROM as a series of linked PDF files. The CD and map sheets are
included in the folder. The cost will be about $30 + pp.
For a copy of the license agreement, or more information contact
Rosemary Niehus.
