Deficiencies in Data

Numerous studies on coastal water quality have been conducted in the Johnstone Shire, however, most data has been collected on a regional basis. The following water and atmospheric data should be collected:

•   Streamflow data across the Johnstone Basin.
•   Storage capacity and present levels of private water resources.
•   Further information on the volume of flow required to satisfy instream needs.
•   More reliable and quantitative information on the effects of nutrient and sediment discharges on the Great Barrier Reef.
•   Levels of microbiological contaminants in receiving waters.
•   Further assessment of contributors to sediment loads.
•   Greater identification of sources of water contaminants, investigation of how they reach waterbodies, and the assessment of effects on water quality.
•   Information on atmospheric quality as it comes to hand and details of point sources of atmospheric 'pollution'.

Recommendations

•   That exotoxicological studies in selected freshwater and coastal molluscs, arthropods and fish be conducted.
•   That a balanced assessment of the nature, extent and causes of discharges of nutrients and sediment be undertaken to obtain reliable data and quantitative information.
•   That instream flow volumes be calculated for the major creeks and rivers in the Shire to allow better management of water extraction permits.
•   Regular monitoring and analysis of the key indicators for the major river systems and streams in the Johnstone Basin must occur so that effective water and land management strategies can be developed.
•   That investigation be undertaken to identify projects to be undertaken to improve water quality in the Johnstone River Basin.