Challenges in managing dryland rivers crossing political boundaries: lessons from Cooper Creek and the Paroo River, central Australia

摘要: 1. Dryland rivers are a focal point of life. Highly variable flows that underpin the ecology these antithesis requirements for regular water irrigation. Proposals exist to divert irrigation on dryland rivers, Cooper Creek and Paroo River in central Australia, cross political boundaries three Australian states (Queensland, South Australia New Wales). 2. Poorly-planned resource developments incur unacceptably high ecological costs. Debate about future is challenging traditional accountabilities management hitherto focused land rather than water. Diversion threatens conservation values unregulated livelihoods rural communities who rely floods. The current process whereby Government agency one jurisdiction assesses judges merits proposals have consequences restrictive. We critique mechanisms assessment, approval from Australia. 3. An alternative begin with discussion impacts such social under threat involves ‘collaborative’ partnership between scientists, landholders conservationists. Two scientific workshops distilled process. This paper reviews background their importance decisions sustainable floodplain wetlands. Scientific involve wider community decision-making traditionally province managers developers. Transparency, independence catchment focus remain challenges but foundations were laid by workshops. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.