The complexity and risk associated with extensive change in farming systems developed in the priority catchments requires that the extension methodology remains effective. Continuous evaluation is required. With the lack of experience and numbers of extension personnel, there is concern that current techniques and inputs from catchment support teams will not lead to the level of change in farm practice that is possible right now. Agencies and landholders are spending extensively in focus and recovery catchments without adequate assessment of the efficiency or effectiveness of this approach. Engineering methods of addressing excess water and salinity problems Engineering may be required to protect rural infrastructure and threatened natural resources.
Drainage is also a technique used extensively by farmers.
However, the effectiveness of drainage in ameliorating salinity requires clarification. Improved methods of management are also needed. Increase water use by annuals Annual crops and pastures occupy by far the largest area of the landscape in our agricultural systems. There is scope to manage annuals to increase water use. Research to further understand water use, water use efficiency and basic hydrologic outcomes is required.