Designing the choice modelling survey instrument for establishing riparian buffers in the Fitzroy Basin (Establishing the Potential for Offset Trading in the Lower Fitzroy River Research Report No. 3)

Abstract

[Abstract]:
\nThis report is focused on the design of a choice experiment for modelling the supply of riparian buffer rehabilitation by landholders in the Fitzroy Basin in central Queensland. Measuring landholders’ preference for the supply of riparian buffers is a significant challenge for the improvement of water quality in streams, estuaries and the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. Such estimates of potential supply are important for policy decision making, and will aid in the evaluation and design of market-based instruments for water quality improvement in the catchment.
\nIn this case study, choice modeling (CM) is being employed to investigate landholders’ preference heterogeneity in willingness to accept direct monetary incentives for the rehabilitation/restoration of riparian buffers in the Fitzroy Basin. The technique has traditionally been applied to environmental valuation issues, but there is increasing use of CM to design agricultural markets. This study extends that application to markets for environmental actions. By predicting a supply function for riparian vegetation, the design of incentive structures and other MBIs can then be addressed.
\nIn this report, the design stages of the choice modeling experiment are reported. The design of a CM study is complex because of the number of relationships and factors that have to be modeled, and important because of the need to avoid biases and communicate choice tasks to respondents. The report focuses on how the design process has followed three main stages, covering general policy issues, more specific framing issues and statistical considerations. These have been used to develop the questionnaire for collection in the field.