Information Management Behavior of Australian Catchment Managers

Abstract

This paper introduces issues related to research and development of a catchment information system and reports an analysis of information management behaviors of catchment managers in two field sites in Australia. The results of the study reveal a preference by catchment managers for an electronically based catchment information system. This system includes a variety of methods including CD-ROMs and the Internet, that are fully searchable, up-to-date, easily and locally accessible, simple to use, continuously updated, able to be used as a method of community consultation, and operate as part of the decision-making processes of a catchment management organization. The catchment information system should exist side-by-side with current methods of information exchange, which are based on oral exchanges and paper products about catchment management. The content of the catchment information system should be issues-based, providing best management options for local areas within a whole catchment context. The options should be based on research and local knowledge. These options are developed by a democratic process within the catchment between and agreed to by catchment managers. Other features of a catchment information system include its content, functionality, implementation requirements, and progress in implementing prototypes.

Keywords:

• Catchment management
• watershed management
• information exchange
• World Wide Web
• Internet
• information management