Choice modelling and the benefit transfer of natural resource values in the Fitzroy basin

There are times when there is a need to be able to place a monetary value on amenities or goods that are not traded or made available to the public through market structures. This process is known as non -market valuation. Non-market amenities are intertwined with the use, reform and allocation of water resources in the Fitzroy Basin, Central Queensland. Issues that cause amenity changes need to be assessed with non -market valuation techniques.

In this thesis a stated preference valuation technique called choice modelling is applied in order to derive monetary values for tradeoffs associated with options for floodplain development in the Fitzroy. It is then shown that the

estimated values for the Basin as a whole can be transferable across different sub -catchment sites and populations within the Fitzroy Basin. In addition, it is

reported herein that issues such as scale and quantity effects (sometimes known together as scope effects) do not have any significant impact on the value estimates.

This thesis outlines the process undertaken to estimate the required values including identification of catchment social and environmental issues, survey design and benefit transfer issues. Research findings are reported on site

and population equivalence and the presence and effects (if any) of scale and quantity effects. Possible directions for further research are also examined.