Mr Luke Peel

Contacts

Honorary Lecturer

Over 25 years working in State and Federal Government Agencies in various roles. Commencing in the NT Government Environment Agency, specialising in collating the parameters of soil erosion, pasture/cropping, climate and hydrological monitoring to produce Land Management Semi-Arid Tropics model. Research and development of the application of spatial data (Landsat) analysis for vegetation mapping and monitoring validated with ground monitoring methodologies. Implementation of satellite-based monitoring program across NT and northern WA, engaging pastoral industry and aboriginal land managers with practical tools (VegMachine) for monitoring, planning and reporting.

In 2009 moved to Canberra to work with the Murray Darling Basin Authority on the Sustainable Rivers Audit for river geomorphology and vegetation mapping and monitoring. Moved on to lead a team at Geoscience Australia to acquire elevation data, primarily LiDAR and imagery over areas of significance for Australia's centres of population & infrastrcuture, and manage the National Elevation Data Framework. This work covered many areas of Australia's coastline areas of significance, including large areas of the Murray-Darling Basin. Managed various LiDAR contracts and quality assurance of products for regions of Tonga, PNG, Vanuatu and Samoa (including LiDAR bathymetry), and a major project for the greater metro Manila region to assist with climate change and natural hazard mapping, modelling and management.

Since 2014 is the research coordinator for The Mulloon Institute managing the scientific program, engaging landholders, scientists, industry, and tertiary and secondary students in many facets of natural resource management, regenerative agriculture, and engendering social and community change adaptation.

Research interests

Research, develop and implement monitoring methods and applications with regard to natural resources using ground based methods coupled with remotely sensed (satellite, aerial, drone) data sources (mutli-spectral, LiDAR) for spatial and temporal analysis and information products. Understanding processes of landscape functionality, soil erosion, soil building, water holding and filtering within the context of regenerative land use and management, supporting the growth of appropriate flora and fauna. The use of GIS and remote sensing platforms for analysis and communication of data and esults.

Use of technology to provide timely, cost-effective monitoring and reporting capabilities that reflect accurate assessment of on-ground situation for landholders to utilise for planning and decision making, reporting to stakeholders, and potentially providence to consumers of the farm product they are choosing (paddock to plate).

Regenerative agriculture that promotes quality food output and improves environmental outcomes. Managing regenerative agriculture with respect to climate extremes and how agricultural and natural systems can build resilience and potentially reduce climate change.