Murdoch University researchers to investigate role shelterbelts play in mitigating impacts of drought

The role of shelterbelts in mitigating the impacts of drought across the grainbelt will be investigated by university researchers in the first project of its kind. Murdoch University was one of a handful of WA recipients to share in $29 million worth of Drought Resilience Innovation Grants through the Federal Government’s $5 billion Future Drought Fund. For the tertiary education institute’s project — The Benefits of Shelter Belts — an Ideas Grant of just over $45,000 was awarded. Murdoch University associate professor John Ruprecht, the director at the university’s Harry Butler Institute Centre for Water, Energy and Waste, said the application was submitted following a request from growers, regional firefighters, not-for-profit organisations and researchers. “This project provides a comprehensive overview of shelterbelt benefits in the South West WA region so that costs and benefits can be assessed for future investment and policy decisions,” he said. It will analyse design features of shelter belts across the region, and the co-benefits which have arisen as a result, such improved fire protection, drought resilience, salinity management, farm production, biodiversity and pollination. Associate Professor Ruprecht said while the productivity benefits of shelterbelts were assessed more than a decade ago, analysis of the consequences of drought which could be mitigated by shelterbelts had not been done in this way. “This project will develop a comprehensive research program, co-designed with end users and the right stakeholders, using the latest analytical tools and techniques that include economic, environmental, and social effects,” he said. “Such benefits are broad-reaching from food security to protecting assets and people from fires (house, sheds, yards, crops etc) in an increasing arid landscape.”