Stressed ecosystems: better decisions for Australia's future

The 2011 Theo Murphy High Flyers Think Tank brought together about 60 early-career scientists and social scientists with diverse backgrounds, to discuss new approaches to understanding the effects of stress on complex ecological systems. Four Australian ecosystems were utilised as case studies for discussion:

1. Queensland’s Bowen and Surat Basins
2. Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia
3. Melbourne’s peri-urban grasslands
4. the Murray–Darling Basin.

The four groups developed recommendations that were specific to their ecosystem, as well as four overarching recommendations.

1. Collect more data on Australia’s ecosystems and make it freely available.
2. Engage the community in data collection.
3. Develop methods to determine the consequences of ecosystem decisions and make these accessible to all stakeholders.
4. Involve all stakeholders in ecosystem planning and decision-making.