The Three Factors That Have Shaped the Uniqueness of Australia Include

MURTOA COLLEGE

Year 12 OES Exam Preparation Unit 3 Outcome 1 The three factors that have shaped the uniqueness of Australia include  Biological isolation  Geological stability  Erratic climate Australia has an extremely high level of biodiversity and endemic species due to the above factors.

About 160 million years ago Pangea split into two continents called Laurasia and Gondwana. Gondwana consisted of Australia, New Zealand, Africa, South America, Arabia, India, Antarctica and parts of South East Asia. Eventually Australia split from Antarctica about 40 to 50 million years ago – this is the continental drift theory.

Perceptions- are the attitudes, beliefs and understandings that people have towards the environment and the way they view the land. Relationships- the way people relate to and use the land, their relationship reflects their attitude (my include feelings, perceptions and interactions)  Kinship – Individuals are not separate from the environment, they are a part of it; live in harmony with the land  Worthship- see the land/environment as a commodity, to be owned or controlled for financial gains  Worship- the environment is seen as an object of intrinsic value, valued for its own sake a place to be looked after/protected Interactions- are activities or actions that people undertake within the environment Impacts – are the direct affect on the environment because of humans’ interactions FAUNA = ANIMAL SPECIES FLORA = PLANT SPECIES ABORIGINALS Colonized about 40,000 – 60,000 years ago via what is now Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. They have an extremely strong link with the land thought as respecters of nature. Their practices included:  Nomadism  Creation of sacred sites  Fire stick farming  Dreamtime, Song and Dance & Rock Art Relationship – they bonded with the land and had no concept of ownership. They were born with the land; the land owned them – they were caretakers, meaning spirituality pervaded every human activity. Perceptions- they recognized that they needed the land to survive. As they required food, water and shelter that were all utilized and extracted from the environment.

EARLY NON – INDIGENOUS SETTLERS Arrived in Australia around 1788 – 1850 They had the belief of Creationism – separate from the land; control it and make it human habitable. They also believed that there was a limitless supply of resources – their concept of ownership gave them legal rights. Saw the land in terms of worthship – saw it as a valuable resource. They saw the Australian environment as harsh, hostile and alien to be controlled and manipulated. Plants and animals were considered worthless. They lived off the land and changed it to make it look like their home country – England. Interactions- clearing, hunting, introducing new species, altering waterways, mining and exploited resources – they had no concept of conservation.

INCREASING POPULATION Terra Nullius – 100% public land was crown land Access to the lands resources was a right for individuals who needed to make a living – therefore there was a huge population growth. They exploited the environment heavily and with no regard for conservation and as a result there were a number of big impacts upon the land. Many areas were cleared, mined, farmed, towns established, infrastructure built, grazing plus many other practices. Once Gold Rush times ended the land was disserted and still to this day Australia is suffering from the impacts of the Gold Rush era.

INDUSTRIALISATION & NATION BUILDING Impacts of Gold Rush were recognized and conservation practices were becoming common, many of the same perceptions, uses, management practices and impacts of human environment interactions were continued but also changes. The ethos was into the 20th Century was to expand, exploit and export more. Government policy – land under settlements had to be cleared and fenced. Industrial and technology advancements placed a greater demand on natural resources. (Industrialised Machines) Nation Building - Snowy Hydro Scheme – (Electricity), Rail / Road Networks – (Transportation of goods – Import/Export) and Irrigation – (Water) HOW have these projects impacted on our Relationships / Perceptions / Interactions with the Australian Landscape? Commercial uses dominated but conservation and recreation uses were becoming more significant.

Foundation of Environmental Movements - During the early 20th century there was an increasingly environmental appreciation and awareness. The establishment of nature groups, field naturalists and birdwatching/bushwalking groups initially changed the early Europeans perceptions. The establishment of the following organisations (below) were all instrumental in changing relationships with the Australian environment.

Environmental Movements - You must know one of the following organisations in detail to be able to examine their influence on environmental movements from a historical perspective. – Wilderness Society – Australian Conservation Foundation – Victorian National Parks Association – Greenpeace – Gould League – for example the Gould League were responsible for the publication of many field guides and posters detailing Australian native birds. These posters were found in thousands of classrooms during the 1960s-70s and this led to and increased fascination, awareness and appreciation for Australians birds. Now they are strongly involved in overall environmental education

Unit 3 Outcome 2:

CONTEMPORARY VIEWS Resource – meeting humans needs as a profit eg. Mining / Logging / Farming Adversary – enemy, something to beat or conquer e.g. A difficult climb Gymnasium or playground – a place to participate in physical activities e.g. Falls Creek XC Temple – a place of beauty, peace and tranquility to appreciate and connect with nature e.g. Museum – place of history to understand past and future e.g. Apollo Bay & shipwreck tour with Marc Brack Laboratory – gain better understanding of knowledge Eg. Swan Bay – Rockpool Rambling Classroom – gain knowledge of natural environment Eg. Swan Bay – Rockpool Rambling All can be portrayed: in media, advertising, behavior, song lyrics etc

CONTEMPRORAY TYPES OF INTERACTIONS

Primary Industries – uses the environment as a resource to gain profit from activities such as forestry, mining, energy generation etc.

Patterns of Primary Industries: . Aboriginal - trading goods, . Early European settlers – clear land for farming practices, sealing and whaling, logging. . 1800’s – mining for gold, stone and tin, farming practices . 1900’s – tourism, mining, logging, farming, ecotourism. . Present – society has placed restrictions, limitations and laws related to land clearing, use and disposal of chemicals and rehabilitation of areas used for activities

Recreation – the natural environment is used for leisure time activities where individuals spend time away from work in the outdoors doing activities such as fishing, hiking, surfing, rock climbing, bird watching, camping, mountain biking,

Patterns of Recreation: . Aboriginal – learning skills, stories, walking, dancing and signing . Early European to early 1800’s – little recreation time, walking, picnics, . Late 1800’s to early 1900’s – bird watching, and camping . 1900’s to after first world war – hiking, driving, bird watching, surfing, sailing, camping, rock climbing, flying, . Present – motor bike riding, horse riding, sporting activities, Conservation – humans protecting and restoring the natural environment doing things such as environmental groups, creation of natural parks, management strategies, research on problems, minimal impact strategies, reduction of waste and pollution

Patterns of Conservation: . Aboriginal – use of fire for regeneration (fire stick farming), . Early European settlers - 1800’s – didn’t have any natural environment protection practices however by the late 1800’s views and perceptions started to change and national parks first became a possibility . 1900’s – recognition of land degradation, environmental awareness with groups forming, acts of parliament passed and implemented management strategies developed, use of resources

Tourism – combination of both commercial and recreational interactions. The visiting the places fir leisure, recreation, challenge, education which is outside their usual environment such as bus tours, 4wd tours, site seeing, cruises, tour walks, experiencing local culture, food and music.

Patterns of Tourism: . Aboriginal – no tourism, visited other tribes for trade, ceremonies, . European settlers – no tourism, travel was for commerce and trade . 1900’s – domestic travel until present . present – ecotourism,

Aesthetic appreciation – appreciation of areas of natural environment such as bird watching, photography, painting, poetry, contemplation, spiritual journeys, meditation,

Patterns of Aesthetic Appreciation: . Aboriginal – allowing time to appreciate small and large things in their environment . European settlers – didn’t understand the Australian environment therefore aesthetic appreciation was limited and slow to develop . Late 1800’s – development of appreciation of the natural environment which created an opportunity for bird watching, art and travel . 1900’s – documentaries, travel, art, bird watching, etc.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE CONTEMPORARY RELATIONSHIPS

Technology: There has been a rapid advancement in technology that has changed the way we live house applications such as microwaves, colour televisions, mobile phones. Spending more time indoors watching tv, and infront of computers and spending less time outdoors. However, the advancements in technology have also helped promote the outdoors with things such as GPS navigation, safety equipment.

Commercialisation: . exploitation of resources for profit . Aboriginals are often paid for their services with trinkets, alcohol, flour and tobacco . In present time guide walks, bus tours, flights etc. is providing a profit for different services . Has dramatically changed the way we interact with nature – nowadays we buy “Nature Experiences” where businesses provide all the necessary knowledge, equipment and access – how has this changed relationships? Someone else’s idea of adventure…

Risk taking behavior: . Lower perception of risk as they are familiar to activity and area, assumption of safety of larger, sense of safety from signs, maps . Make them safer by good judgment, education, previous experience, stable group size, minimal equipment . Typical pattern: outdoor tragedy, media response, coronial inquest, public pressure and core action, government regulation . Media response to risk taking: media shapes the way a person views the environment, either negative or positive, over states the danger, - Think ANDREW MCAULEY AND MEDIA RESPONSE TO HIS SOLO JOURNEY . Government regulations, restriction areas, toughen safety regulations, introduced fee system,

How does this effect the Outdoor Experience? – Tighter regulations reduce the sense of adventure – Diminishes the Outdoor experience by providing artificial barriers, rules and regulations – Makes it safer however for increased participation Unit 4: Outcome 1 Contemporary State of Environment in Australia - National SoE reports provide information about environmental and heritage conditions, trends and pressures for the Australian continent, surrounding seas and Australia's external territories.

Section in report Negatives Positives How individual can reduce impacts Atmosphere - Greenhouse gas emissions - Awareness of problems - Turn air conditioning off in empty are increasing has increased rooms - Average temperature has - Air quality is improving - Reduce, reuse and recycle risen by 0.82°C between - Ozone hole has household waste 1910 and 2004 stabilized - Effects Australians health Coast and Oceans - Damage to fish pollution - Australia has vast and - Dispose of chemicals and litter - Very little information on varied coasts an oceans appropriately Australia’s marine - Significant re-vegetation - Service boats and cars regularly biodiversity on the West Coast of to prevent oil leaks Victoria Land - Poses issues for land - Clearing regulations are - Compost garden an vegetable management and progressively being scraps sustainability applied - Start your own vegetable garden - Dramatic impacts due to - National Action Plan has - Avoid use of harmful chemicals farming uses and agriculture been implemented that (pesticides & fertilizers) focuses majorly on land salinity Other sections in The State of Environment Report: - Inland Waters - Human Settlement - Biodiversity - Natural and Cultural Heritage - Major impacts that cause concern for sections in the State of Environment: - Erosion - Greenhouse gas emissions - Salinity - Pest Control - Loss of river flows - Introduced Species - Soil Acidity - Habitat Modification - Vegetation Loss - Importance of HNE for future physical and emotional wellbeing: - Places for recreation and adventure (bushwalking, rockclimbing) - Inspiration and Creativity (artists, photographers) - Education (increase knowledge, classroom activities) - Importance of HNE for prevention of major causes that impact on human society: - Resource, increased salinity reduces food resources - Scientific Research, vegetation loss may reduce medicines - Intrinsic Value, erosion causing loss of appreciation for environment - Four main reasons for maintaining biodiversity: 1. All species have the right to exist 2. Species reduction reduces the richness and aesthetic value of the human experience 3. Species can provide humans with food, medicines and renewable and biological resources which are crucial to our survival 4. Varying species maintain our planet. (influence climate, provide nutrients, maintain atmosphere, regenerate and recycle products) - - - Causes of loss of biodiversity: - Habitat destruction - Soil, water & air pollution - Introduced Species - Global climate change - Urbanisation - - - - Types of Biodiversity: - Genetic Diversity- total genetic information contained in the genes of all species - Species Diversity- Variety of species. It refers to both he number of species and number of individuals within each species - Ecosystem Diversity- Is the variety of habitats, natural communities and ecological processes in the biosphere - - Indicators / How to measure Health of NE - Quality of Water / Air / Land, Levels of biodiversity & Number of Introduced Species – Must be able to identify/provide observations of the impacts of these on the outdoor experience – i.e. How does poor water quality effect your experience? It means you have to carry water, reducing the enjoyment, having to carry more weight, more time spent boiling water – this reduces the appreciation and enjoyment of the experience. ------Unit Four: Outcome 2 - Conflicts of interest between people involved in uses of natural environments, such as tourism, national parks, public land, farming, conservation and differing types of outdoor recreation. - Conflicts of interest occur because of different values about the use of natural environments. - Interest groups - Interest groups are formed in response to a particular concern over the use of the environment. - YOU MUST KNOW BOTH – You are expected to know Alpine grazing and one other example (OREN Otways Logging) - Alpine grazing - In favour – VNPA (Victorian National Parks Association) – know their methods, association with the conflict etc - Opposed – MCAV (Mountain Cattlemen’s Association Victoria) - Otways logging - In favour – Calco logging company - Opposed –OREN(Otway Ranges Environment Network) - - The methods used by individuals and groups to influence decisions about the use of natural environments. - Direct Action - Involves activities such as picketing, marching, blockades, demonstrations, protests, boycotts and bans. - Lobbying - Occurs through direct contact and meetings with decision-makers or their representatives. - Use of Media - Undertaken through interviews in newspapers, radio or on television aimed at generating public support and awareness through strong media images. - Forming Partnerships - Between groups seeking the same or similar outcomes for the use of an area. - Gathering own evidence/ presenting reports - Scientific reports are collated in an effort to provide evidence for an interest group’s position on an issue - Use of Prominent People - Groups seek support from people well known in the community. - Information evenings/ meetings - Used as a means of engaging and informing the wider community - - The processes followed by land managers and/or governments or their agencies in making decisions relating to conflicting interests over the use of natural environments. - Victorian Environmental Assessment Council - VEAC - MUST KNOW the role of the VEAC and the typical process of decision making. - Formation of a consultative group – gather accurate information and providing recommendations about the use of the environment - Legislation – use of new and existing laws to prohibit an activity from occurring - Management Plans – regulations allowing all user groups the opportunity to use the land - Litigation – using the court system to implement laws - Arbitration – taking decision to a third party to help resolve conflict - - - - - Management strategies for achieving and maintaining healthy and sustainable environments that may be adopted by public and private land managers. - Policies: You must know one of these – Trust For Nature (TFN) - - TRUST FOR NATURE – Google Trust for Nature Wimmera properties for local examples – Know their role in managing natural environments – 4 strategies Revolving fund, convents, land acquisition, stewardship program etc - - Management strategies typically introduced by mangers – Parks Victoria, Dept. of Sustainability and Environment DSE, Fisheries Vic etc - Some of the land management strategies that we can apply to areas we have visited, and how they are effective, include: - Drainage : no loss of top soil, vegetation wont be inundated with water. (bells beach) - Paths: people are less likely to walk on vegetation, no compaction. (triplet falls) - Information boards: promote environmental awareness, educate and inform individuals, more likely to look after the environment. (Grampians) - Zoning: limits access to some areas of the environment to minimise the impact on the natural environment, minimising conflicts and giving priority to the environment. (Greater Otways National Park) - - Current local, state and national policies related to the management and sustainability of natural environments. - Policies: Local, State and National governments develop policies and legislation to protect and conserve the natural environment. The three levels of Government in Australia: Federal, State and Local can all create and enact legislation in order to manage the areas for which they are responsible. Legislation may take the form of by-laws (local government) or Acts of Parliament (state and federal) Legislation is a process to formalise these policies. These policies are implemented and enforced by DSE, Fisheries, etc. - Local Policies: Local governments are usually focused on the following areas for improvement: - Council procedures - State Policies: The Victorian government has a range of policies that directly relate to reducing impact on natural environments.  Environment Protection Act  Catchment and Land Protection Act  Native Vegetation Retention Act (1989) - National Policy: Examples of these are:  Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999)  National Environment Protection Act (1994) - - You must know one of the following acts – Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 – VICTORIAS KEY ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION o Remember Endangered List, Threatening Processes and Action Statement by DSE o Would be handy to have an animal that has been on the list, a threatening process and action statement. See attached PDF file on red tailed black cockatoo. - Ramsar Convention 1971 – International Convention for the protection of wetlands. The convention aims to halt the worldwide loss of wetlands and to conserve those that remain. A Ramsar wetland site is considered representative, rare or unique, or important for conserving biological diversity, particularly water fowl (Migratory birds). There are 64 Ramsar wetland sites across Australia. - (I predict you will need to know how these acts operate and how they influence the management and sustainability of outdoor environments) - - Sustainable Actions undertaken by individuals and groups in maintaining healthy and sustainable environments in contemporary Australian society - Sustainability aims to provide improvements in our quality of life while sustaining ecological processes. Ways in which we can help as individuals or part of a group: - Green building Design – i.e. 60L building - Landcare - Renewable Energy - YOU NEED TO KNOW TWO OF THESE -