21 July
2006 - New research and more comprehensive data
on the climate and rainfall of the Lake Eyre Basin
is now available to help protect the catchment
area that extends through the desert and channel
country of Queensland, Northern Territory and
South Australia.
The new report, Hydrology of
the Lake Eyre Basin, was launched by the Australian
Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator
Ian Campbell, who is chair of the Lake Eyre Basin
Ministerial Forum.
Senator Campbell said the 130-page report would
help to understand the climate, rainfall, evaporation,
streamflow and groundwater of the Basin.
"The Lake Eyre Basin reflects
Australia's extraordinary geological, environmental
and cultural heritage. It covers more than a million
square kilometres, which is almost 17 percent
of Australia and contains artesian springs that
have been estimated to be up to 700,000 years
old," Senator Campbell said.
He said the Basin was one of
the world's largest closed water systems with
its waters ending in Lake Eyre, 16 metres below
sea level.
"During large flood events
the rivers within the Basin transform from a string
of waterholes into slow moving ‘inland seas' that
can be up to 60km wide. These brief ‘boom' events
prompt an explosion of life as highly adapted
plants, waterbirds and fish, grow and flower,
feed and breed," Senator Campbell said.
"Cattle grazing, tourism
and natural gas production have had some impact
on the landscape of the Basin but the catchments
supplying water to Lake Eyre are relatively pristine.
"This report builds on
what we already know about the area and gives
us a stronger scientific base for the important
work being done to sustainably manage the Basin's
natural resources.
"It will also inform the
Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment project that
examines the condition of the catchment including
its rivers, floodplains, overflow channels, lakes
and wetlands."
Senator Campbell said the report
had been prepared in collaboration with the Australian,
South Australian, Queensland and Northern Territory
Governments, under the Lake Eyre Basin Intergovernmental
Agreement.
The key findings of the report
have been summarised in a 12 page brochure.
To order a copy of the report or brochure contact
the Department of the Environment and Heritage's
Community Information Unit on 1800 803 772.
Rob Broadfield
