World Regions › Pacific › Australia

Choose one of the following to investigate using the Internet. Present your findings as a report, making use of subheadings. Remember that maps, photos and diagrams can be used to help demonstrate your understanding of this topic.

1. The Snowy Mountains Scheme is regarded as one of Australia’s greatest achievements. What was the aim of the scheme? By what means was this aim achieved? What benefits did Australia gain?
   
   Currently, some worries are being raised concerning the long-term environmental consequences of the scheme. Discuss some of the ill effects that are now being observed. What is your opinion on the value of the Snowy Mountains Scheme?
   
   The web addresses below will provide some leads for your investigation, but use your favourite search engine to search on 'Snowy River hydro problems' to find out some views about environmental problems associated with the Snowy Mountains Scheme.
   
   http://www.snowyhydro.com.au/
   Snowy Mountains Scheme water releases.
   
   http://www.mdbc.gov.au
   Murray–Darling Basin Commission.
   
   
   
2. Briefly describe Lake Eyre: its location, elevation, climate, catchment area and its state when full and empty.
   
   What are some of the environmental issues concerning this area? Your report should include references to wildlife, salinity and water pollution.
   
   In the future, water diversion schemes may be considered. One possibility concerns the direction of more water into Lake Eyre to create a permanent ‘inland sea’. How could permanent filling be accomplished and what benefits could be expected to flow from the undertaking? What assurances would you require before giving your vote for the commencement of such a project?
   
   The web addresses below will provide some leads for your investigation. Refer also to the relevant sections of the Heinemann Atlas 3^rd edn.
   
   http://www.ilec.or.jp/database/oce/oce-04.html
   Information on Lake Eyre, including rainfall and temperature statistics.
   
   http://www.abc.net.au/rn/science/earth/stories/s207295.htm
   Transcript of Radio National interview on Lake Eyre Basin Management Agreement.
   
   http://www.k26.com/eyre/The_Lake/Ideas/Fill_Lake_Eyre_/fill_the_lake.html
   An argument against the filling of Lake Eyre.