Field Work and The Research Cycle

Issues in the Australian Environment: Urban Processes

Field Study Area

Darling Harbour

Barangaroo

Millers Point Walsh Bay

Circular Quay

How are these areas changing?

The Research Cycle

2. Generate focus questions to Guide the investigation

1. Identify the aim/purpose of the investigation

3. Which primary and secondary data are needed to answer the focus questions

4. Identify the techniques that will be used to collect the data

5. collect primary and secondary data

6. Process and analyse the data collected

7. Select methods to effectively communicate the research findings

8. Propose individual or group action in response to the findings

9. Where appropriate, take action

Identifying the Aim or Purpose

Location 1 - Darling Harbour - Pyrmont Bridge to KingLocation 2 – Millers PointLocation 3 – Walsh BayLocation 4 – Circular Quay West Street Wharf

Our aim or purpose is to investigate the impact of urban growth and decline on the biophysical and built environments in the field study area.

• testing the biophysical & built environment

We already have some secondary data on the field study area

On our field study we will gather primary data at four locations by:

• observing the biophysical & built environments

• interviewing stakeholders

Focus questions to guide the investigation

How is the Harbour foreshore being used?

How has the land use changed and what is the impact on the biophysical and built environment?

What issues have arisen from Urban Growth & Decline?

How are the issues being addressed?

Primary and secondary data are needed to answer the focus question

How is the Harbour foreshore being used?

Primary data Secondary data• Direct observation• Field Sketches• Photographs• Video• Sound levels• Temperature• Water testing• Wind speed• Interviews

• Class notes• Internet sites• Class Blog• ABS data• Video clips• Newspaper articles• Maps• Photographs• Books

Primary and secondary data are needed to answer the focus question

How has the land use changed and what is the impact on the biophysical and built environment?

Identify the techniques that will be used to collect the data

How has the land use changed and what is the impact on the biophysical and built environment?

Water testing• Phosphates• Nitrates• Ph• Turbidity

Phosphates

Phosphate pollution can enter the water ways because of human sewage, agricultural, pesticide and fertilizer runoff, urban storm water runoff, and industrial waste.waste

discharge

Phosphorous is a nutrient but high levels cause a loss of dissolved oxygen

1 ppm excellent; 2 ppm good; 4 ppm fair

pH

Most aquatic organisms adapt to specific pH levels and may die if there is a shift in these levels and this can be affected by industrial wastes

pH is a measurement of the acidic or basic quality of the waters

Natural water has a pH between 6.5 & 8.2

Turbidity

Turbidity is a measure of the degree to which the water looses its clarity or transparency because of suspended solids.

500 NTU50 NTU5 NTU

Turbidity is a measured in NTU or Nephelometric Turbidity Units

Turbidity of drinking water should be below 5 NTU, ideally below 1 NTU

Primary and secondary data are needed to answer the focus question

What issues have arisen from Urban Growth & Decline?Traffic congestion ?

High density housing?Noise pollution?

Unsympathetic infill?

Increased road or water traffic ?

Wind tunnelling?

Vandalism ?Dust and construction noise?

oil and rubbish in the water?

Pollution?

Reduced air quality in the area?

Overshadowing?

Road closures?Closing down of businesses?

Privacy issues for residents?

Contamination of harbour sea bed?

Dilapidated Houses?

Primary and secondary data are needed to answer the focus questionHow are the issues being addressed?

NSW Maritime

Planning NSW

NSW Road Transit Authority (RTA)

NSW Housing

Sydney City Council

NSW Dept of Environment

Climate Change & Water

Aust Dept of Immigration & Citizenship

Aust Dept of Customs & Excise

NSW Transport & Infrastructure

Government

Primary and secondary data are needed to answer the focus questionHow are the issues being addressed?

Millers Point Residents’ Action Group

Australian Institute of Architects

Lend LeaseBarangaroo

Action Group

Millers Point FestivalDarling Harbour

Tenants

Cruise & Charter Boat Operators

Mirvac

Community &Commercial

Transfield

Walsh Bay residents

Tenants & Businesses ofDawes Point, The Rocks

& Circular QuayTourists

More sustainable buildings with Building Green Star Ratings

All buildings in the Barangaroo project must achieve 5 Green Star rating or above

The nine Green Star rating tools are:•Management•Indoor Environment Quality•Energy•Transport•Water•Materials•Land Use & Ecology•Emissions•Innovation

How are the issues being addressed?