For the LDC modelling project the steps of Jakeman et . al . ( 2018 ) were followed to ensure the application of best practice modelling improvement . One of the challenges , potentially not addressed in these steps but highlighted through the Major Integrated Project ( MIP ) design , was determining how to model new management interventions and technology change . This has been a key component of both the Burdekin and Wet Tropics MIPs . Potentially relevant technological change drivers include decreasing sensors costs combined with improving resolutions in spatial data e . g ., remote sensing , LIDAR , etc , and management examples include bioreactors , wetlands and whoa boys . These gaps may be due in part to the often-shortterm needs and short-term funding of projects . However , given the long-term nature of the actions supporting the implementation of the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan , and the operational basis of the GBR Source Catchments Model , the aforementioned can and should be considered . In addition , it was identified that the utility of the Burdekin GBR Source Catchments Model could be improved with a focus on better water quality data collection , cleansing and pre-modelling analysis . For example , higher degrees of confidence in water quality data allows accurate assessment of the catchment model at a finer scale . This facilitates better targeting and reporting of progress with increased certainty and leading to more efficient application of funding and market-based initiatives e . g ., environmental credits .
Improvements undertaken as part of this project are summarised below . Water quality data capture , development , and analysis
1 ) Water quality data development , LDC Community Water Quality Monitoring data ( tributary-scale ) ( TropWATER , JCU ) and collation of all existing datasets and the development of a framework to analyse that data and assimilate findings and data into the catchment model .
2 ) Collation of sediment particle size data for the Bowen River Myuna gauge , and comparison with Burdekin end of catchment data to reduce the uncertainty in the GBR Catchment Loads Monitoring Program 2016-17 sediment load estimation . The cyclone Debbie event (~ 1 in 10 year ) is of considerable importance in determining the long-term sediment budget .
New spatial data development
1 ) Collaborative work was undertaken with the P2R monitoring team to develop LiDAR-based methods to delineate incisions in the landscape at a ~ 1 m scale , enabling high resolution mapping of gullies and landscape connectivity . This work further evolved into the development of a GBR catchment modelling terrain morphology tool ( DIRT ).
2 ) The model was used to identify priority areas for further soil survey work to be undertaken in March 2021 , under the RP235 Queensland Reef Water Quality Program . A total of 40 soil cores were drilled in areas identified as having limited soils data including the Little Bowen ( 15 cores ), Broken ( 16 cores ), Pelican ( 1 ), Rosella ( 4 ) and Lower Bowen ( 4 ) sub-catchments .
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