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THE Bureau of Meteorology is now using
Japan’s new Multi-functional Transport Satellite, MTSAT-1R,
to generate hourly images of weather systems around Australia.
As part of bilateral cooperation with Japan,
hourly images from the satellite are now being processed by the
Bureau and transmitted in real time to weather forecasters around
Australia, and to overseas space agencies and national weather
services, thereby contributing to international cooperative
arrangements in meteorology.
Greg Hunt, Parliamentary Secretary with
Ministerial responsibility for the Australian Bureau of Meteorology
said the MTSAT-1R provides satellite cloud images like those seen
on TV.
“These images help forecasters track the
birth, life, movement and demise of weather systems that affect
Australians,” said Mr Hunt.
In addition, the Bureau uses the detailed
information from the satellite to generate products including
multi-channel remapped cloud images, solar radiation estimates,
fog/low cloud and detecting volcanic ash clouds.
Go to Bureau of Meterology website: www.bom.gov.au/weather/satellite
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Cloud cover images update
| Indigenous resources | Weeds
and pest animals | Insects' database for the
NT | Climate issues’ blog | Integrating framework | Online land
use maps | Waterway watch | Issues for developing world |
A NEW portal aims to provide access to a wide range of
information on all aspects of Indigenous life including cultural
heritage, reconciliation, employment and training and business
development. The gateway, developed by the Queensland Government,
includes sections on Strong Families Strong Culture, Skilled and
Prosperous People as well as a direct link to the website,
Meeting Challenges Making Choices that was developed in
response to the Cape York Justice Study.
Go to: www.qld.gov.au/indigenous
THE Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines has
revamped and expanded its weed and pest animal management website.
The site provides comprehensive information about weeds and pest
animals in Queensland, including an A-Z listing that gives
descriptions, nomenclature, full-colour identification photos and
links to further specific information.
Go to: www.nrm.qld.gov.au/pests
INSECTS of the Northern Territory website provides information
about a range of insects found not only in the NT but also
interstate and overseas. Developed by the NT Department of
Business, Industry and Resource Development, the site enables
searches of particular insects by their common or scientific name,
classification, host or damage type. The site is illustrated:
pictured top is the redbanded thrip, which can damage mango
leaves.
Go to: http://pestinfo.nt.gov.au/
REALCLIMATE is a commentary blog site on climate science.
Climate scientists respond to developing stories as well as provide
the context for them that is sometimes excluded in the mainstream
media. Discussion at the site focuses on scientific topics, and
aims to leave out political and/or economic implications of the
science. The website welcomes constructive comments and questions,
as well as guest articles from other scientists who may choose to
contribute on an occasional basis.
Go to: www.realclimate.org/
ON the Conservation Economy website, 57 patterns provide a
framework for an ecologically restorative, socially just, and
reliably prosperous society that is referred to as a Conservation
Economy. The patterns aim to be adaptable to local ecosystems and
cultures, yet universal in their applicability.
Go to: www.conservationeconomy.net/
THE Bureau of Rural Sciences has provided the latest information
on Australian land use through its interactive website and
CD–ROM. Land Use Mapping for Australia includes the
extent of mapping to date, the national land use
classification system, technical reports and applications of
land use.
www.brs.gov.au/landuse
Available as a free CD–ROM: call 1800 020 157.
THE Science and Development Network is an international website
that is home to a comprehensive range of articles and resources
about science and technology-related issues that impact on the
economic and social development of developing countries. It
features a dossiers section that provides a comprehensive guide to
issues such as: biodiversity; Indigenous knowledge; climate change
as well as research and development.
Go to: www.scidev.net/
Dossier section: www.scidev.net/dossiers/
A NATIONAL network of local community-based organisations,
Waterkeepers Australia, has formed in an effort to protect
Australia’s waterways. Similar to a “neighbourhood
watch” program for creeks, rivers, lakes, estuaries and bays,
it complements community work in such activities as biodiversity
and water quality monitoring, education and communication. Also, it
can provide members with access to experts, legal advice, research
and education programs.
Contact: Greg Hunt, Coordinator
Tel: (03) 9347 3810
Email: greghunt@waterkeepers.org.au
Web: www.waterkeepers.org.au/
