🎯 WALT: Analyse human impacts on environments, with a focus on the Glenelg River ecosystem

Success Criteria:

✓ Identify and explain at least two human impacts on the Glenelg River
✓ Analyse case studies of local developments affecting the river ecosystem
✓ Extension: Propose a realistic solution to mitigate one identified human impact

📖 Case Study Reading

The Glenelg River under Pressure

The Glenelg River, flowing through western Victoria, faces increasing pressure from human activities. Local farmers have expanded their irrigation systems, drawing more water from the river during dry seasons. This has reduced water flow and increased salt concentrations downstream. Meanwhile, the growing town of Casterton has built new housing estates near the riverbank, increasing stormwater runoff that carries fertilisers and chemicals into the water.

Recent studies show that native fish populations have declined by 40% over the past decade. Sediment levels have increased due to cattle grazing too close to riverbanks, causing erosion. Recreational boating and camping have also left rubbish and disturbed wildlife breeding areas.

📝 Comprehension Questions

EAL/D Support - Sentence starter: "Urban development affects the river by increasing _______ which carries _______ into the water."

🔗 Part 2: Cause and Effect Analysis

Human Activity: Cattle grazing near riverbanks

Direct Effect: _________________________________

Impact on River: _________________________________

Human Activity: _________________________________

Direct Effect: Reduced water flow

Impact on River: _________________________________

a) ________________________________________________

b) ________________________________________________

EAL/D Support - Key vocabulary: sedimentation, pollution, urbanisation, habitat loss, runoff

🌟 Part 3: Solution Development Challenge

Selected Human Impact: _________________________________

Proposed Solution:

Who would need to be involved? _________________________________

What resources would be needed? _________________________________

Consider the following factors in your detailed solution:

• Environmental sustainability • Cost and funding • Community acceptance • Long-term effectiveness