Salinity
Salt is a natural part of the Australian landscape and areas of naturally high soil or water salinity exist through the country. However it has been increasingly recognised that land management practices are resulting in expansion of the areas of land affected by salinity. Salinity is having a greater impact on human activities and development.
Salinity has been recognised as a nationally significant environmental problem for some time. In recent years urban salinity has emerged in Western Sydney as a significant environmental issue.
Salinity Processes
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Salinity is caused by water in soils with a salt source.
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The process is very complex, and is not caused by rising water on its own.
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Salinity in Western Sydney is related to:
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Through flow of water
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Poor soil drainage
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Cyclic salt inputs
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Local soil formations
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Salinity Problems
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Best known for affect on vegetation and water quality.
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In Urban areas salinity also affects:
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Houses / buildings
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Roads / footpaths
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Stormwater infrastructure
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Parks / ovals
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Salinity Management
Blacktown City Council is working with a number of organisations to develop appropriate management tools to address the management of salinity in Western Sydney.
The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) has formed a Regional Soil Salinity Working Group to investigate salinity issues in Western Sydney. Blacktown City Council is involved with this group. WSROC have also developed a Draft Salinity Code of Practice intended as a management tool for Councils in Greater Western Sydney. The Code can be accessed at the WSROC website at http://www.wsroc.com.au/.
A Select Committee was appointed by the NSW Legislative Assembly to examine a range of issues associated with salinity in the State. The recommendations from this Committee will assist Council in managing salinity.
The Department of Land and Water Conservation (DLWC) has been running a program to increase awareness of the issue of salinity in Western Sydney since 1998. DLWC have developed Salinity Hazard Maps for the Western Sydney Region and have been involved with extensive research into rural salinity in NSW.
For more information from DLWC visit their website at: www.dlwc.nsw.gov.au/care/salinity/index.html
Examples of Urban Salinity
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A white crust of salt on brickwork. Source: DLWC |
Road damage caused by high saline watertables. Source: DLWC |
Other Links
Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
National Dry Land Salinity Program
National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality
Wagga Wagga City Council