Impacts on Ecosystems: Think Local

Considered one of Australia's worst oil disasters, the Montara oil spill was an oil and gas leak and subsequent slick that took place in the Montara oil field in the Timor Sea, off the northern coast of Western Australia, in 2009.

Archived news article about the 2009 oil spill in the Timor Sea off Western Australia's northern coast.

News report on the 2021 class action by Indonesian seaweed farmers impacted by the 2009 Montara oil spill.

2023 article exploring what has happened since the Montara Oil Spill, to try to hold oil companies responsible.

Australian Government website outlining how the Government responds to marine oil spills, including clean-up procedures.

Farming now covers 58% of Australia, or 385 million hectares, and accounts for 59% of water extracted.

Information on Australian agricultural businesses management practices, including soil enhancers, fertiliser use, cropping and pasture management

For the second year running (in 2024), annual government report finds overfishing is on the rise in Australia’s Commonwealth-managed fisheries.

Independent charity working to address issues including overfishing.

Opinion article by a University of Western Australia PhD candidate, calling for governments to take action on overfishing.

Organisation focusing on strengthening laws and policies to protect the Australian environment against threats from invasive plants and animals.

Invasive Species Council examines the impact of invasive plant and animal species on Victorian ecosystems.
Download the document which outlines the impacts in detail, including recommendations for reducing the impact.

Victorian government website outlining biosecurity measures in place to manage invasive plants and animals.

Invasive species are a key threat to Victoria’s unique native flora and fauna, contributing to their decline.
The Protecting Biodiversity program is funding large scale projects where invasive species management will have the most benefit for the greatest number of native species.

2021 article with click-through links to information about 19 identified Australian ecosystems at risk of collapse.

The sudden defoliation of hundreds of plants west of Dubbo has raised fresh concerns about chemical spray drift from local cotton farms and stoked tensions between landowners and the aerial operator.

'Spray drift' is the airborne movement of agricultural chemicals as droplets, particles or vapour and is a major issue in some regions of Victoria.

Throughout human history, pests have greatly impacted agriculture and society through crop failure. In modern times, chemical solutions to the problem have been hit and miss.

Australian Government body responsible for regulating pesticide use in Australia.