How Bad is Dryland Salinity in Tasmania?

Experts say that in 2000, dryland salinity was affecting 53,300 hectares in Tasmania. That's about 3% of our cultivated land. If nothing is done, this area could grow to 69,550 hectares by 2020 and nearly double by 2050.

Land and water salinity costs Australia about $3.5 billion a year through lost productivity and damage to buildings, roads, water pipes and treatment systems. This amount of money could be invested in renewing public infrastructure, creating jobs and improving our lives whether we live in towns, cities or country areas.

The agricultural production losses in Tasmania from salinity alone have been estimated to be $11.25 million a year.

In Tasmania, our topography/geographical features means that salinity cannot have the same extensive effect as in the mainland. However, there are localised areas where a little problem could become a larger problem and this is not limited to issues arising for the farming community but for all Tasmanians.

Did you know that the salt level in the Coal River at Richmond Bridge can be as high as in the Murray when it reaches the sea and we could be losing biodiversity in areas of Tasmania?

What are the Effects of Dryland Salinity in Tasmania?

Salt in the soil is a naturally occurring process. The increase of salt in the soil has occurred through deposits built over time through wind and rain.

Salinity is caused by rising water tables, which dissolve natural salts contained in the soil, bringing them to the surface. Increasing concentrations of salt will damage plants, roads, buildings and other infrastructure. Salt also gets into freshwater rivers and wetlands where it affects plants and makes the water undrinkable for humans and animals.

Salinity can affect infrastructure such as roads and buildings, breaking down concrete and bricks and cracking roads. Community amenities such as golf courses and sports grounds show signs of being affected by salinity.

Plant and animal biodiversity is also at risk as habitat such as wetlands, forest and non-forest vegetation are affected by salinity.