Lying between the Indian, Pacific and Southern Oceans, Australia's climate-in particular its rainfall-is difficult to predict reliably and accurately, driven as it is by the interplay of a complex set of systems known as climate drivers.

In this issue: REPAIR OPTIONS FOR CONCRETE-LINED CHANNELS: RIVER POLLUTION WITH AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS

Recent research suggests that another factor that affects bloom formation is the management of flows in both rivers and water storage areas. Rivers rarely experience algal bloom outbreaks during periods of high flow. This means that new approaches to manipulating the flow of rivers and water reservoirs may hold the key to preventing algal blooms, saving millions of dollars in water treatment costs and environmental damage caused by algal bloom outbreaks

How riparian land should be used and managed is often viewed differently by divergent groups. What is recognised by all is the diversity of environmental and economic benefits provided by riparian lands. Managing Riparian Lands for Multiple Uses 'draws together information from four research and development programs, each with a different 'view' about riparian land management...to bring together recent findings, and show how they can be used to improve on-ground management.' (RipRap, edn 23 p.3)

Summarises information about gullies, their prevention and management, so that woolgrowers can make informed decisions about what to do on their own property. It is based on information from the LWW Rivers NSW regional project on gully erosion.

A factsheet providing information for farmers with farmland properties with waterways. Emphasises the importance of healthy waterways for not only the environment, but for a profitable wool enterprise. Includes general information and the aims of the

This report was jointly commissioned by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and Land & Water Australia to assess the information needs for freshwater flows into estuaries. This report is based on the results of a desk study together with the outputs from an expert workshop. It has the following objectives: *create a logical framework showing the potential links between freshwater inflows and ecological responses; *assess current knowledge about each of these links in Australian estuaries; *identify the critical links where further research and development (R&D) would provide maximum benefit; and *collate available information on current decision-making processes/frameworks for environmental flow management.

As much as 40% of water stored in a farm dam can be lost through evaporation, depending on the depth of the dam and its surface area. Dam design can significantly decrease evaporation by reducing the surface area to volume ratio (deeper, narrower dams) and planting windbreaks to provide shade and reduce wind turbulence. Over the years, a number of commercial products have also been developed to minimise water losses, including floating plastic covers and chemical products that change the surface characteristics of the water and reduce evaporation. Research was undertaken by the National Program for Sustainable Irrigation's predecessor (the National Program for Irrigation Research and Development) in 2002 to assess these products. This fact sheet captures the key findings, which show that their effectiveness can depend on a combination of cost, durability and their vulnerability to being disturbed by the wind and associated wave action.

The National Program for Irrigation R&D is the only national body to coordinate irrigation research activity in Australia. At present it is in its third 3-year funding phase, which is due to finish in June 2002. To get feedback from the irrigation industry about what shape irrigation research and development should take in the future and what the important issues will be, the program is running six workshops around Australia in October and November. Locations of these workshops are: Deniliquin, Melbourne, Townsville, Narrabri, Renmark and Perth.