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This is the first attempt at measuring the social valuation of self-drive elderly tourists based on a case study of those visiting regional Queensland of Australia in their caravans. Using the negative binomial model incorporating travel cost, and data from a pilot survey of 90 respondents, it was found that the grey nomads' valuation of their visit to the Beaudesert region was A$833 per trip and their demand for travel was price insensitive. This reflects the huge sustainable revenue potential of the grey nomad market for tourism. The study also highlights factors that affect the visit frequency of grey nomads who are often repeat tourists. The findings of this study are an important policy tool for the management and understanding of elderly caravanning tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, estimates of value for recreational fishing are reported for three major freshwater impoundments in Queensland, Australia, using both travel cost and contingent valuation methods. Policy analysts often require estimates of value when analysing the importance of recreation against other uses of impoundments, or when considering the potential for further investments, such as with fish stocking programs. Different forms of the travel cost method are used to estimate separate consumer surpluses associated with two key subgroups of recreational anglers: frequent and occasional anglers. A contingent valuation study is used to estimate the marginal values associated with a potential improvement in fishing experience. The results of the travel cost analysis provide strong evidence that recreational values vary between different groups of anglers and across sites, while the contingent valuation estimates provide values for additional marginal benefits of recreational angling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of the annual costs of weeds in seven winter crops across Australia demonstrated that the most important 15 weed species cause substantial annual costs in both financial and economic terms. Using survey data captured over the 1998–1999 growing season, the financial cost of these weeds in seven crops was estimated to be AU$1,182 million. The main components of this cost were herbicides (AU$571 million), the competitive effects of residual weeds (AU$380 million), and tillage (AU$206 million) while weed contamination of grain was a minor cost (AU$25 million). Across all regions, the most economically important weeds were annual ryegrass, wild oats, and wild radish, although there were regional differences in importance. An economic surplus analysis determined the annual economic cost of weeds in annual winter crops to be AU$1,279 million. This surplus loss represented 17% of the gross value of Australian grain and oilseed production in 1998–1999. Australian grain producers incurred a major loss, with a reduction in producer surplus of AU$1,047 million. Australian grain consumers had a large consumer surplus loss (AU$229 million), while international consumers suffered a small loss and international grain producers gained a small producer surplus from the higher grain prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal and marine resources often require to be valued to assess management options and encourage sustainable policy-making. While numerous non-market valuation techniques are available, the complexity of biodiversity makes applications challenging. Typically, a small number of proxy assets (e.g. coral reefs) are used to represent more complex natural assets and processes in valuation exercises. While using proxies simplifies the assessment process, it can be challenging to interpret what values represent. We conduct a comprehensive review of the use of proxies to represent coral reef biodiversity in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, spanning four decades (1983–2020) of literature. Studies are categorized based on the Total Economic Value and Ecosystem Services components they refer to, and the different approaches to the use of proxies. We identify that value estimates are sensitive to the type of proxy, and recommend habitat- or process-focused proxies over species-focused proxies as being more holistic and accurate. The most adequate proxies may, however, be considered on a case by case basis, depending on the policy question being addressed. • Four-decade review of economic valuation studies on coral reef biodiversity. • Focus on the use of proxies to value biodiversity in the Great Barrier Reef. • 102 economic values from 17 consumer surplus studies are compiled and analyzed. • Studies categorized using the Total Economic Value and Ecosystem Service frameworks. • Species-, habitat- and process-focused biodiversity proxies are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the methodology and presents preliminary results of an economic appraisal of a program to use mobile mammographic screening units in rural areas of Australia. The benefits of the project are measured using the travel cost method. Since mammograms are a 'binary good', conventional welfare analysis must be modified and discrete choice models used to estimate the demand for screening. The results suggest that the level of welfare benefits depends on the distance a town is from the nearest fixed screening unit. In the 10 towns studied, the economic benefits of mobile screening outweighed the economic costs if a rural town is situated 29 km or more from a fixed mammographic screening unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]