Ecohydrological models for the Northern Eyre, Braemar and Stuart Shelf regions

The South Australian Government through the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) have engaged the Goyder Institute for Water Research to develop Ecohydrological Conceptual Models (ECMs) for the Braemar, Stuart Shelf and Northern Eyre regions and to develop Impact Pathway Diagrams (IPDs) for the Braemar and Stuart Shelf regions.

• Ecohydrological Conceptual Models (ECMs) visualize connections between water flow and the environment. The models will combine information on hydrological (surface water and groundwater) components with ecological ones (e.g. specific taxa, communities and ecosystems) to understand their interactions. This is often shown as a cartoon-style graphic with descriptive narrative or icons.
• Impact Pathway Diagrams (IPDs) use the information from ECMs to understand and communicate how resource development (e.g. mining or renewable energy generation) can affect water resources, important species and the protected landscape. This is often displayed as a web highlighting all the relationships between an activity, a process and an end point.

The three study regions within South Australia, Braemar, Stuart Shelf and Northern Eyre, have potential for development of mineral resources and renewable energy, alongside current economic land-based activities such as agriculture and tourism. While each region has different opportunities for development, they share challenges regarding water availability, with virtually no permanent surface water features and limited availability of fresh groundwater. Each region supports important ecosystems, sensitive to changes in water regime and land use. Sustainable development of these regions will require proponents to demonstrate that adverse impacts on water resources and the environment are avoided, minimized or mitigated.