Dutson Downs: options for future land use – Plans were developed for rehabilitation and management of the Dutson Downs Wastewater Treatment Facility in Gippsland (5,000ha). The study involved the consideration of options for land tenure, liquid and solid waste treatment, erosion hazard, land capability for different forms of agriculture and forestry, carbon offsets, saline land rehabilitation, archaeology and ecological protection measures.

Major strategic planning, land and vegetation management advice was provided (based on remote sensing technology – Landsat TM) in relation to the economic potential of carbon, salinity and biodiversity credits. Most importantly, a timetable and cash-flow program was formulated for enterprise conversion from grazing to plantation production.

Landsat TM imagery

Aerial photography