Managing mountain bike impacts in the South West of Western Australia : Combining biophysical impact studies with rider preferences for better trail design

This thesis examines the environmental impacts of mountain bikes on trails in the southwest of Western Australia and the preferences, perceptions, trail use and demographics of mountain bike riders in that region. This information is important for resource managers and trail developers to ensure that the trails that are provided and planned for mountain bike use in the region are environmentally appropriate and acceptable to users. The environmental impacts were examined through biophysical studies, which investigated soil loss, soil compaction and vegetation damage on and adjacent to mountain bike trails over a period of six months. A mountain bike racing trail (Lowden, WA) and a trail designed for recreational mountain biking (Marrinup, WA) were monitored. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information about user preferences, user perceptions, trail use and demographics. The results of these studies were integrated and the implications for trail design, conclusions and recommendations were derived. Overall, the biophysical studies found limited trail impacts, in particular there was little soil loss on the trails, few impacts on areas adjacent to the trails and no trail widening. Racing impacts differed from those of recreational riding. Occasional loosening of the trail surface and minor temporary damage to the adjacent vegetation were observed after racing and not on the recreation trail. Trail features (curves and straight stretches), slope and soil characteristics should be taken into consideration when designing a trail to ensure low erosion and maintenance. The main findings of the user survey indicated that mountain bike riders prefer natural settings and trails with a firm surface. They support a code of conduct and are aware of environmental and management issues associated with trail use. Differences have emerged between racing riders and recreational riders. Racing riders prefer technically demanding and challenging trails with downhill sections, curves and jumps, whereas recreation riders prefer trails that are less challenging, but are well marked and have drinking water provided. All riders agreed that more mountain bike trails are needed in the study area. This study concluded that mountain bike trails in the southwest of Western Australia can be environmentally sustainable and acceptable to trail users. Slope and soil characteristics must be major considerations in the siting and design of trails. Environmental impact can be minimised if trails are designed specifically for racing or recreational purposes

Water centrality for water and society

The current approach to water management in Western societies, including Australia, is based on allocating water between different users. Appropriate for commercial uses, this commodity view of water has proved difficult for the inclusion of environmental and social concerns. Issues, such as which aspects have precedence, how much water should be allocated to each and how to make trade-offs in cases of insufficient water, pose problems that are yet to be worked out. In addition, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the identification of environmental as well as social water needs. The latter has prompted the writing of this thesis. A closer look at the neglected social water needs reveals the complete permeation of water into all areas of human life, from the basics of survival and health to the ethical and spiritual spheres. All these social aspects, or values, of water, should be integral to water management

Final report : Bellevue sustainable industry project

This report is the result of a grant from the W A Waste Management Board\u27s Waste Management and Recycling Fund to investigate the attitudes and practices of Bellevue business owner-managers to environmental issues and waste management since 2005. In 2005 data was collected to provide baseline information of the level of business interest in the environment and waste management practices in the Bellevue industrial area. After. the analysis of that data was reported, an intervention program was implemented by the Swan Catchment Council. The intervention program included the following..

Interim report: Maddington-Kenwick & Cockburn sustainable industry project

The aim of this project is to investigate the current attitudes and practices of business ownermanagers in the light industrial areas of Maddington-Kenwick and Cockburn regarding environmental issues and waste management pre and post an intervention program. A specific aim of the project is to reduce waste and achieve implementation of better environmental management practices in this sector. The project commenced in February 2007 and is due to finish in December 2008. The two survey areas are geographically located South East and South of Perth within two separate local government boundaries. The light industrial area of Maddington-Kenwick is part of the City of Gosnells which has a population of 91,579 whereas the City of Cockburn has a population of 78,000. Maps of each light industrial area are included at Appendix A for reference. The light industrial areas were selected as appropriate locations to replicate an intervention previously conducted in Bellevue, Western Australia as both Cities are looking for businesses within their boundaries to improve their environmental performance..

Small and medium enterprises and the environment: Barriers, drivers, innovation and best practice: A review of the literature

Small and medium enterprises are the largest business sector in every economy in the world 1, and generate the majority (up to 60%) of global economic output2. In the Australian context, a small business or enterprise is one that employs up to 20 staff while a small and medium sized enterprise (an SME) is a business that employs up to 200 staff. By this definition, more than 99% of all actively trading businesses (more than 1.95 million enterprises) in Australia are SMEs3 . There is a growing body of research supporting the need for SMEs to become engaged in the adoption of environmental management practices. This is because SMEs are more \u27pollution-intensive\u27 than \u27big business\u27, with some estimates suggesting that the contribution of this sector to pollution may be as high as 60-70% of all pollution globally