Northwest Queensland Research Articles

P037 Indigenous Australians’ conceptualisation of sleep health differs from western interpretations

Abstract Purpose Despite a significant burden of poor sleep, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ (Indigenous Australians) conceptualisation of sleep health is poorly understood. This research explored Indigenous Australians’ understanding and interpretation of sleep health and how that affects their health. Methods Indigenous people from remote Queensland were invited to participate in focus group discussions exploring their understanding of sleep health, the link between dreaming and sleep, and perceived implications of poor sleep. Participants were also asked to complete an adapted pictorial Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Descriptive statistics were used to summarise ESS data and participants’ demographic data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse focus group data. Results A total of 29 Indigenous Australians (82% females), median age 39 years (Interquartile range 26–51 years) from various geographical areas within North West Queensland participated in focus group discussions (n=6). The following themes emerged from the data: interconnection among sleep, emotional and physical health; challenges and successes in obtaining healthy sleep; the impact of dreams on waking life; and lack of support from health services in managing sleep issues. Scores from the modified pictorial scale indicate 24% of the participants had excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS score>10 points). Conclusion Indigenous Australians’ conceptualisation of sleep health is different from the western interpretation of sleep health. In particular, the connection between dreams and sleep is not adequately captured in current tools and resources to promote sleep health. This will limit effective prevention and management of sleep issues in Indigenous communities.

Remote mental health clients prefer face-to-face consultations to telehealth during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective:To guide the efficient and effective provision of mental health services to clients in Central West and Far North Queensland, we surveyed preferences for face-to-face or in-person contact.Methods:A clinician-designed survey of contact preferences was offered to 248 clients of mental health services in Far North and Central West Queensland in mid-2020. With the onset of COVID-19, the survey was modified to measure the impact of the pandemic.Results:Just over half of the services’ clients participated in the survey (50.4%), of whom more were female (63.2%). Of the participants, 46.3% in Far North and 8.6% in Central West Queensland identified as Indigenous. Strong resistance to telehealth before the pandemic across groups (76%) was moderated during COVID-19 (42.4%), an effect that appeared likely to continue past the pandemic for Central West clients (34.5%). Far North clients indicated their telehealth reluctance would return after the pandemic (77.6%).Conclusions:Our results suggest that remote Australians strongly prefer in-person mental health care to telehealth. Although the COVID-19 pandemic increased acceptance of telehealth across regions while social distancing continued, there was evidence that Indigenous Australians were more likely to prefer in-person contact after the pandemic.

Three-dimensional inversion for sparse potential data using first-order system least squares with application to gravity anomalies in Western Queensland

SUMMARY We present an inversion algorithm tailored for point gravity data. As the data are from multiple surveys, it is inconsistent with regards to spacing and accuracy. An algorithm design objective is the exact placement of gravity observations to ensure no interpolation of the data is needed prior to any inversion. This is accommodated by discretization using an unstructured tetrahedral finite-element mesh for both gravity and density with mesh nodes located at all observation points and a first-order system least-squares (FOSLS) formulation for the gravity modelling equations. Regularization follows the Bayesian framework where we use a differential operator approximation of an exponential covariance kernel, avoiding the usual requirement of inverting large dense covariance matrices. Rather than using higher order basis functions with continuous derivatives across element faces, regularization is also implemented with a FOSLS formulation using vector-valued property function (density and its gradient). Minimization of the cost function, comprised of data misfit and regularization, is achieved via a Lagrange multiplier method with the minimum of the gravity FOSLS functional as a constraint. The Lagrange variations are combined into a single equation for the property function and solved using an integral form of the pre-conditioned conjugate gradient method (I-PCG). The diagonal entries of the regularization operator are used as the pre-conditioner to minimize computational costs and memory requirements. Discretization of the differential operators with the finite-element method (FEM) results in matrix systems that are solved with smoothed aggregation algebraic multigrid pre-conditioned conjugate gradient (AMG-PCG). After their initial setup, the AMG-PCG operators and coarse grid solvers are reused in each iteration step, further reducing computation time. The algorithm is tested on data from 23 surveys with a total of 6519 observation points in the Mt Isa–Cloncurry region in north–west Queensland, Australia. The mesh had about 2.5 million vertices and 16.5 million cells. A synthetic case was also tested using the same mesh and error measures for localized concentrations of high and low densities. The inversion results for different parameters are compared to each other as well as to lower order smoothing. Final inversion results are shown with and without depth weighting and compared to previous geological studies for the Mt Isa–Cloncurry region.

The benefits of ensemble prediction for forecasting an extreme event: The Queensland Floods of February 2019

AbstractFrom late January to early February 2019, a quasi-stationary monsoon depression situated over northeast Australia caused devastating floods. During the first week of February, when the event had its greatest impact in northwest Queensland, record-breaking precipitation accumulations were observed in several locations, accompanied by strong winds, substantial cold maximum temperature anomalies and related wind chill. In spite of the extreme nature of the event, the monthly rainfall outlook for February issued by Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology on 31st January provided no indication of the event. In this study, we evaluate the dynamics of the event and assess how predictable it was across a suite of ensemble model forecasts using the UK Met Office numerical weather prediction (NWP) system, focussing on a one week lead time. In doing so, we demonstrate the skill of the NWP system in predicting the possibility of such an extreme event occurring. We further evaluate the benefits derived from running the ensemble prediction system at higher resolution than used operationally at the Met Office and with a fully coupled dynamical ocean. We show that the primary forecast errors are generated locally, with key sources of these errors including atmosphere-ocean coupling and a known bias associated with the behaviour of the convection scheme around the coast. We note that a relatively low resolution ensemble approach requires limited computing resource, yet has the capacity in this event to provide useful information to decision makers with over aweek’s notice, beyond the duration of many operational deterministic forecasts.

A new species of crested pterosaur (Pterodactyloidea, Anhangueridae) from the Lower Cretaceous (upper Albian) of Richmond, North West Queensland, Australia

ABSTRACT Pterosaur fossils from Australia are exceptionally rare. Since the discovery of the continent’s first pterosaur some 40 years ago, fewer than 20 specimens have been described. The Lower Cretaceous (upper Albian) Toolebuc Formation of North West Queensland is the most productive horizon for Australian pterosaurs. Herein, we describe a new species of pterosaur, Thapunngaka shawi gen. et sp. nov., from the Toolebuc Formation, near Richmond, North West Queensland. The specimen (KKF494) comprises the rostral portion of a crested mandible and represents the largest pterosaur yet described from Australia. The new species presents features that indicate an affinity with Anhangueridae, which is consistent with their reported cosmopolitan distribution during this period. Thapunngaka shawi can be distinguished from other anhanguerids through the possession of a mandible with a smooth dorsal surface medially and uniquely sized alveoli that are positioned laterally along the jaw. Phylogenetic analysis reveals a close relationship among all Australian anhanguerids and points to an endemic Australian radiation within Anhangueridae. Thapunngaka shawi has the largest mandibular crest of any anhanguerian worldwide, and provides further evidence for the existence of an increasingly diverse range of large crested pterosaurs in the Australian part of eastern Gondwana during the Cretaceous.

Recovering is about living my life, as it evolves: perspectives of stroke survivors in remote northwest Queensland

Purpose Recovering from stroke in remote Australia has rarely been considered, even though rehabilitation services are generally scarce. The primary purpose of this study was to explore stroke recovery, from the perspective of stroke survivors in remote northwest Queensland (NWQ), to explicate the lens through which they view recovering. The secondary purpose was to explore the role of technology to support stroke survivors in remote locations along their recovery journey. Methods A qualitative study was undertaken using elements of constructivist grounded theory for data collection and analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen stroke survivors and two partners living, working or travelling in remote NWQ. Results From the participants’ perspective, recovering in a remote area after stroke is about living my life, as it evolves by endeavouring to recover my way and navigating my recovery in my world. Technology was only considered helpful when it supported participants to recover their way in their world. Conclusion Recovering from stroke from the perspective of stroke survivors in remote NWQ is about living their life, as they want it to be, and as it unfolds within their own context. Technology only has a place when it can support them to recover their way in their world. These findings reinforce the importance of health professionals listening, learning about, and enabling stroke survivors along their recovery journey, within their remote context and support network. Implications for Rehabilitation Recovering from the perspective of stroke survivors is about living their life as it evolves. To support stroke survivors from remote areas, health professionals need to listen to and learn from each stroke survivor about what matters to them, what works for them, and about their world; including the challenges (e.g., switching between services) and enablers (e.g., community support) as the stroke survivor perceives them. Finding ways to utilise the strengths within and around them, may improve the recovery process for the stroke survivor in a remote area, ensuring they can access care that meets their needs in their world. Working together with stroke survivors, health professionals need to consider how technology could help them to live their life, while recovering their way and in their world.

Improving antibiotics targeting using PCR point-of-care testing for group A streptococci in patients with uncomplicated acute sore throat.

Evidence supports some beneficial effects of antibiotics prescribed to patients with asore throat and proven presence of groupA streptococci (GAS). A total of 283 patients were included fromNorth and North-West Queensland, Australia, at their first presentation for uncomplicated acute sore throat. Patterns of antibiotic prescribing were explored before and after testing for GAS using arapid point-of-care polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. The results of the study showed the Australian Therapeutic Guidelines wereoften not adhered to. The PCR testreduced the proportion of patients prescribed antibiotics from 46% to 40%. The decision to prescribe antibiotics was changed in 30% of patients (P<0.001): before testing only 40% of patients prescribed antibiotics had a positive GAS PCR while this increased to 97% after testing. An easy-to-use point-of-care test to detect GAS allows better targeting of antibiotic prescribing in patients with an uncomplicated acute sore throat.

Australia's prehistoric 'swamp king': revision of the Plio-Pleistocene crocodylian genus Pallimnarchus de Vis, 1886.

The crocodylian fossil record from the Cenozoic of Australasia is notable for its rich taxonomic diversity, and is primarily represented by members of the clade Mekosuchinae. Reports of crocodylian fossils from Australia date back to the late nineteenth century. In 1886, Charles Walter de Vis proposed the name Pallimnarchus pollens for crocodylian fossils from southeast Queensland—the first binomen given to an extinct crocodylian taxon from Australia. Pallimnarchus has come to be regarded as a large, broad-snouted crocodylian from Australia’s Plio-Pleistocene, and numerous specimens, few of which are sufficiently complete, have been assigned to it by several authors throughout the twentieth century. In the late 1990s, the genus was expanded to include a second species, Pallimnarchus gracilis. Unfortunately, the original syntype series described as Pallimnarchus pollens is very fragmentary and derives from more than one taxon, while a large part of the subsequently selected lectotype specimen is missing. Because descriptions and illustrations of the complete lectotype do not reveal any autapomorphic features, we propose that Pallimnarchus pollens should be regarded as a nomen dubium. Following this decision, the fossil material previously referred to Pallimnarchus is of uncertain taxonomic placement. A partial skull, formerly assigned to Pallimnarchus pollens and known as ‘Geoff Vincent’s specimen’, possesses many features of diagnostic value and is therefore used as basis to erect a new genus and species—Paludirex vincenti gen. et sp. nov. A comprehensive description is given for the osteology of ‘Geoff Vincent’s specimen’ as well as aspects of its palaeoneurology, the latter being a first for an extinct Australian crocodyliform. The newly named genus is characterized by a unique combination of premaxillary features such as a distinctive arching of the anterior alveolar processes of the premaxillae, a peculiar arrangement of the first two premaxillary alveoli and a large size disparity between the 3rd and 4th premaxillary alveoli. These features presently allow formal recognition of two species within the genus, Paludirex vincenti and Paludirex gracilis comb. nov., with the former having comparatively more robust rostral proportions than the latter. The Paludirex vincenti holotype comes from the Pliocene Chinchilla Sand of the Darling Downs, south-eastern Queensland, whereas the material assigned to Paludirex gracilis is from the Pleistocene of Terrace Site Local Fauna, Riversleigh, northwest Queensland. Phylogenetic analyses recover Paludirex vincenti as a mekosuchine, although further cladistic assessments are needed to better understand the relationships within the clade.

Iron Oxide Cu-Au (IOCG) Mineralizing Systems: The Eastern Yakutia (Russia) Perspective

Iron-Oxide-Copper-Gold (IOCG) are the worldwide economically attractive deposits with significant amount of iron oxides, copper minerals, gold and ± silver and REE. In order to obtain more gold resources in Eastern Yakutia (Russia) we provide a descriptive model for IOCG style mineralization for several new prospective sites, which were initially discovered on satellite images and subsequently certified by prospecting. We allocate three basic Fe-oxide-Cu-Au deposit styles in Eastern Yakutia. First is related to Mesozoic hypabyssal intrusions of granodiorites (Kis-Kuel, Kysyltas and Rep-Yure deposits). As follows from the REE behavior in magmatic rocks, the fractionation of the magmatic melt during cooling was extremely insignificant. Due to this, a substantial part of the iron did not fractionate into high-iron melts, and separated into hydrothermal solutions with rich iron oxide mineralization. Second is related to flows of the basaltic and andesitic lavas of the upper Devonian – lower Carboniferous age (Khurat, Rosomakha and Jalkan deposits). Significant accumulations of hematite with copper and gold are associated with calc-alkaline basalts. The appearance of iron oxides in basaltic lavas is a result of decomposition of ilmenite into hematite and pseudorutile. Third style belongs to magnetite rich lavas of upper Jurassic age (Kildyam deposit). Variolithic lava flows saturated with native iron, magnetite, troilite and pyrite, native iron usually spherical in shape. Intrusion related ore bodies are irregular shaped breccias with arrays of variably mineralized veins and veinlets inside intrusives and veins in the host rocks. Associated with basaltic and andesitic lavas deposits occur as massive, tabular bodies, stratified, pyroclastic ores. The gold grade in IOCG ore varies from less than 1 to more than 50 g/t, base metals are optional. Differences in gold’ fineness and admixtures characterize the genetic features of ore formation and is represented by a system of alloys: Au-Ag, Au-Ag-Cu and Au-Fe-Pd. Discovered iron-oxide copper gold mineralization in Eastern Yakutia analogous to several World class deposit types. Related to Mesozoic hypabyssal intrusions of granodiorites Kis-Kuel, Kysyltas and Rep-Yure deposits are close to Olympic Dam type. IOCG mineralization in basaltic and andesitic lavas of the Khurat, Rosomakha and Jalkan deposits looks similar to deposits of the Mount-Isa region (Eastern North-West Queensland, Australia). The Kildyam deposit rich iron-oxide ore bodies resemble lava flows and have share many common features with El Laco deposit in High Andes.

How does GP training impact rural and remote underserved communities? Exploring community and professional perceptions

BackgroundSubstantial government funding has been invested to support the training of General Practitioners (GPs) in Australia to serve rural communities. However, there is little data on the impact of this expanded training on smaller communities, particularly for smaller rural and more remote communities. Improved understanding of the impact of training on underserved communities will assist in addressing this gap and inform ongoing investment by governments and communities.MethodA purposive sample of GP supervisors, GP registrars, practice managers and health services staff, and community members (n = 40) from previously identified areas of workforce need in rural and remote North-West Queensland were recruited for this qualitative study. Participants had lived in their communities for periods ranging from a few months to 63 years (Median = 12 years). Semi-structured interviews and a focus group were conducted to explore how establishing GP training placements impacts underserved communities from a health workforce, health outcomes, economic and social perspective. The data were then analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants reported they perceived GP training to improve communities’ health services and health status (accessibility, continuity of care, GP workforce, health status, quality of health care and sustainable health care), some social factors (community connectedness and relationships), cultural factors (values and identity), financial factors (economy and employment) and education (rural pathway). Further, benefits to the registrars (breadth of training, community-specific knowledge, quality of training, and relationships with the community) were reported that also contributed to community development.ConclusionGP training and supervision is possible in smaller and more remote underserved communities and is perceived positively. Training GP registrars in smaller, more remote communities, matches their training more closely with the comprehensive primary care services needed by these communities.

Time to listen: Chronic disease yarning with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in remote Australia

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2><h3>Background</h3> Chronic disease affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at a disproportionately higher level and at younger ages, particularly for those living in remote locations, than for the overall Australian population. <h3>Aim</h3> To examine the perceptions and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults residing in remote North West Queensland regarding chronic disease education, and how they self-manage their health. <h3>Methods</h3> Semi-structured open ended ‘yarning' interviews were conducted between March and May 2017 with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults (<i>n</i> = 20) with a medical diagnosis of a chronic disease/s. Interviews focussed on their views and experiences in receiving information regarding their chronic disease/s, self-management education, and how they engaged with healthcare professionals. Data were subjected to thematic analysis. <h3>Findings</h3> Three themes emerged: 1) It's going to happen, 2) Communication as a Barrier and Facilitator, and 3) Recognising the Past and Looking Forward. Chronic disease was described as inevitable, and that communication between patient and healthcare professionals was compromised due to the constant use of medical terminology by healthcare professionals. Yarning as a strategy for patient education was suggested as a way to strengthen the relationship with healthcare professionals and to assist with chronic disease self-management abilities. <h3>Discussion</h3> For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, communication, particularly whilst delivering healthcare is an important factor in providing effective support to improve health outcomes. <h3>Conclusion</h3> To help improve health literacy and to build trusting relationships, healthcare professionals should adopt culturally appropriate and effective communication rather than simply relying on individuals' functional health literacy skills.

A geochemical investigation into the resource potential of the Lawn Hill Platform, northern Australia

The Lawn Hill Platform (LHP) is a sedimentary province in north-eastern Northern Territory and north-western Queensland that hosts a significant Paleoproterozoic–Mesoproterozoic sequence, often referred to as 'the ‘Isa Superbasin’, and includes the overlying South Nicholson Group. Shale gas resources and base-metals mineralisation are known in north-west Queensland, but the larger basin is underexplored. The Australian Government’s Exploring for the Future (EFTF) 2016−2020 program aims to boost resource exploration in northern Australia. New precompetitive geochemical data obtained in this program includes source rock geochemistry, kerogen kinetics, bitumen reflectance, biomarker and δ13C n-alkanes for understanding the petroleum potential, organic geochemistry of source rocks and fluids, stratigraphic correlations and mineralogy to determine the brittleness of shales. All data and derived reports are accessible on the EFTF portal (www.eftf.ga.gov.au), providing a central location for informed decision making. The results in this study demonstrate fair to excellent source rocks in multiple supersequences that are brittle and favourable to hydraulic stimulation. A comparison to the greater McArthur Basin demonstrates, that although there are many similarities in bulk geochemistry, LHP mudstones are largely heterogeneous, reflecting local variations that may be inherited from variations in contributing biomass, microbial reworking, depositional environment, sediment input and paleoredox conditions.

Century Zn deposit–the world’s largest meteorite impacted orebody

We describe how the world-class Proterozoic Century zinc deposit in northwest Queensland has been sculptured by an Ordovician meteorite impact, the Lawn Hill Impact Structure. The deposit is locate...

GENDERED LIVED EXPERIENCE OF DIGITAL INCLUSION IN RURAL AUSTRALIA

North West Queensland (NWQ) is one of Australia’s least digitally included regions (Thomas et. al. 2018). This research investigated the lived experience of digital inclusion – comprised of internet access, affordability and digital ability – in NWQ’s rural farming households. A qualitative approach was employed to illuminate factors that underlie particularly low levels of digital inclusion among ‘farmers and farm managers’. By talking to cattle farmers at rural events and remote property visits in the Northern Gulf region, the researcher explored the specific opportunities for, and barriers to, getting connected and using digital technologies in life and business for both men and women. The findings revealed a paradox in women’s lived experience of digital inclusion. While internet access is often limited and sometimes out of their control, rural women are thrust into undertaking computer-based tasks and managing data scarcity, which are often seen as ‘women’s work’. Ironically, many of these women develop a thirst for further digital skills and connections, which can be difficult to obtain in the absence of digital ability programs in rural areas.

Cultural conflict in text and materiality: the impact of words and lead on the northwest Queensland colonial frontier, Australia

ABSTRACT The “Frontier Wars” in Australia were a series of conflicts carried out at different times and places by various military and civilian actors between 1788 and c1938. One of the principal agents in this violence in the colony of Queensland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was the paramilitary Native Mounted Police (NMP), who were tasked with protecting settlers from Aboriginal resistance. This paper examines written and oral accounts of frontier conflict between settlers, Aboriginal people and the NMP in northwest Queensland and places them into the context of the archaeological evidence from an NMP camp site. It thus emphasizes the different types of stories that arise from different sources of historical knowledge and how oral histories transformed into print interact with oral histories of subaltern peoples. Investigation of the archaeology of related sites suggests that they refer to events at a quite different scale.

Forecasting the extreme rainfall, low temperatures, and strong winds associated with the northern Queensland floods of February 2019

From late January to early February 2019, a quasi-stationary monsoon depression situated over northeast Australia caused devastating floods, killing an estimated 625,000 head of cattle in northwest Queensland, and inundating over 3 000 homes in the coastal city of Townsville. The monsoon depression lasted ~10 days, driving daily rainfall accumulations exceeding 200 mm/day, maximum temperatures 8–10 °C below normal, and wind gusts above 70 km/h. In this study, the atmospheric conditions during the event and its predictability on the weekly to subseasonal range are investigated. Results show that during the event, the tropical convective signal of the Madden-Julian Oscillation was over the western Pacific, and likely contributed to the heavy rainfall, however the El Niño-Southern Oscillation was not in the usual phase for increased rainfall over Queensland. Over the northern Tasman Sea, an anticyclone helped maintain a positive phase of the Southern Annular Mode and promote onshore easterly flow. Somewhat consistent with these climate drivers, the monthly rainfall outlook for February issued by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology on 31 January provided no indication of the event, yet forecasts, not available to the public, of weekly-averaged conditions by the Bureau's dynamical subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) prediction system were more successful. For the week of 31 January to 6 February the prediction system forecast a more than doubling of the probability of extreme (highest quintile) weekly rainfall a week prior to the event, along with increased probabilities of extremely low (lowest quintile) maximum temperatures and extreme (highest quintile) wind speeds. Ensemble-mean weekly rainfall amounts, however, were considerably underestimated by the prediction system, even in forecasts initialised at the start of the peak flooding week, consistent with other state-of-the-art dynamical S2S prediction systems. Despite this, one of the individual ensemble members of the Bureau's prediction system did manage to forecast close to 85% of the magnitude of the rainfall across the most heavily impacted region of northwest Queensland a week before the event. Predicting this exceptional event beyond two weeks appears beyond our current capability despite the dynamical system forecasts showing good skill in forecasting the broad-scale atmospheric conditions north of Australia a week prior.

Health literacy in Indigenous people with chronic disease living in remote Australia

BackgroundHealth literacy is strongly associated with health outcomes and is important for health policy and service delivery. Low health literacy was reported in 59% of Australian adults, however, there is no national data on the health literacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) peoples. The ATSI population in Australia experience a notable gap in health outcomes compared with non-Indigenous Australians which is due, in part to a higher prevalence of chronic diseases. The health outcome gap is more pronounced in rural and remote locations. This study aims to establish the health literacy profile of ATSI adults with chronic disease living in remote North-West Queensland Australia, and to investigate associations between the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) domains and self-reported chronic disease and demographic characteristics.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design, 200 ATSI adults with a diagnosis of chronic disease/s (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease and/or chronic kidney disease) were recruited from two sites with the assistance of Aboriginal Health Workers. Data were collected using the HLQ, a multidimensional 44 item instrument to assess nine domains of health literacy. Demographic and health data were also collected. Analysis of variance using backwards modelling was used to determine predictors of health literacy.ResultsParticipants were mostly male (53.5%) and aged between 19 and 89 years. The most prevalent chronic disease was cardiovascular disease (74%) followed by diabetes (67.5%). More than half (62%) had two or more chronic diseases. There was at least one independent predicator for each of the nine health literacy domains. Age, number of chronic diseases, gender, and level of education were all highly significant predictors of health literacy.ConclusionImproved health literacy will enable individuals to take an active role in their health. Understanding the health literacy of ATSI adults is a crucial first step. Our findings can assist Australian healthcare organisations to review their health literacy responsiveness and examine ways to improve patients’ needs and health capabilities to better support people to engage in effective self-management for chronic diseases.

The provision and utility of science and uncertainty to decision-makers: earth science case studies

This paper investigates how scientific information and expertise was provided to decision-makers for consideration in situations involving risk and uncertainty. Seven case studies from the earth sciences were used as a medium for this exposition: (1) the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence in New Zealand, (2) agricultural farming-system development in North West Queensland, (3) operational flood models, (4) natural disaster risk assessment for Tasmania, (5) deep sea mining in New Zealand, (6) 3-D modelling of geological resource deposits, and (7) land-based pollutant loads to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Case studies are lead-authored by a diverse range of scientists, based either in universities, industry, or government science agencies, with diverse roles, experiences, and perspectives on the events discussed. The context and mechanisms by which scientific information was obtained, presented to decision-makers, and utilised in decision-making is presented. Sources of scientific uncertainties and how they were communicated to and considered in decision-making processes are discussed. Decisions enacted in each case study are considered in terms of whether they were scientifically informed, aligned with prevailing scientific evidence, considered scientific uncertainty, were informed by models, and were (or were not) precautionary in nature. The roles of other relevant inputs (e.g. political, socioeconomic considerations) in decision-making are also described. Here we demonstrate that scientific evidence may enter decision-making processes through diverse pathways, ranging from direct solicitations by decision-makers to independent requests from stakeholders following media coverage of relevant research. If immediately relevant scientific data cannot be provided with sufficient expediency to meet the demands of decision-makers, decision-makers may (i) seek expert scientific advice and judgement (to assist with decision-making under conditions of high epistemic uncertainty), (ii) delay decision-making (until sufficient evidence is obtained), and/or (iii) provide opportunities for adjustment of decisions as additional information becomes available. If the likelihood of occurrence of potentially adverse future risks is perceived by decision-makers to exceed acceptable thresholds and/or be highly uncertain, precautionary decisions with adaptive capacity may be favoured, even if some scientific evidence suggests lower levels of risk. The efficacy with which relevant scientific data, models, and uncertainties contribute to decision-making may relate to factors including the expediency with which this information can be obtained, the perceived strength and relevance of the information presented, the extent to which relevant experts have participated and collaborated in scientific communications to decision-makers and stakeholders, and the perceived risks to decision-makers of favouring earth science information above other, potentially conflicting, scientific and non-scientific inputs. This paper provides detailed Australian and New Zealand case studies showcasing how science actions and provision pathways contribute to decision-making processes. We outline key learnings from these case studies and encourage more empirical evidence through documented examples to help guide decision-making practices in the future.

New deep crustal seismic data acquisition program for NWQ's frontier petroleum basins

The Georgina and South Nicholson basins and the Isa Superbasin of North West Queensland (NWQ), represent frontier basins earmarked for examination of resource potential under the Strategic Resources Exploration Program. Little exploration has occurred for petroleum resources in these basins although a proven petroleum system exists in both the Isa Superbasin and the Georgina Basin with demonstrated flow at sub-commercial rates. To increase knowledge of the petroleum system, define the extent of the South Nicholson Basin and examine basin architecture, Geoscience Australia acquired deep (to 20-s listening time) seismic data across the South Nicholson Basin and northern Isa Superbasin area in 2017. However, this survey focused on broader structural architecture definition across the Proterozoic Isa Superbasin and South Nicholson and McArthur basins. Little is understood of the petroleum system in the southern Isa Superbasin, or even if this structure is part of the Isa Superbasin, where Proterozoic gas is inferred from mineral boreholes and oil stained Cambrian-aged carbonates exist. To increase understanding of this southern region, the Queensland Government acquired a new NWQ SEEBASE® (depth to basement) model in 2018, and will be undertaking a 2D deep seismic survey within the Camooweal region to better understand the structural architecture, sediment thicknesses and seismic characteristic of packages of this southern area. The seismic survey is centred on the Georgina Basin and will tie into the South Nicholson survey – extending knowledge further south across major structures featured in the SEEBASE® model.

Ahead of the game: working with local communities in frontier resource basins

From frontier gas basins in North West Queensland to potential unconventional gas reserves in the far south-west, several areas in Queensland have potential for new or expanded resource activity over the coming decade. Lessons of the past have highlighted the importance of early engagement, by industry and government, in building and maintaining constructive relationships with local communities and achieving successful coexistence. The way in which local communities are introduced to new resource activity, and their first impressions, contribute to future attitudes and expectations. In some cases, the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (DNRME) is taking a lead on early activities to facilitate resource exploration and development, such as pre-competitive exploration and release of tender areas for potential exploration. DNRME’s approach for engaging with resource communities involves developing robust relationships with local stakeholders, namely local government, landholders, Traditional Owners and local organisations, and a deep understanding of their interests and the local context. Second, it focuses on providing information to local communities about resource activity and ensuring that they have a channel for raising questions and concerns.