Australia's rangelands are viewed as renewable natural resources which have, in large part, deteriorated considerably since grazing commenced with domestic livestock. It is stressed that this decline in pastoral value is continuing and it is suggested that the situation has for too long been glossed over by landholders and administrators, as well as rangeland research and extension workers. Some of the factors contributing to rangeland deterioration are discussed and hopes for predictive modelling of these systems outlined. The danger of adopting systems which purport to increase animal production through increased stocking rates is highlighted, while monitoring our rangelands is endorsed as a high priority. Finally, some prescriptive suggestions are made for rangelands in this country within an overriding philosophy of more responsible land management, with under -utilisation rather than over- use proposed as the basic objective.
Full-text publications from the Australian Rangelands Society (ARS) Biennial Conference Proceedings (1997-), Rangeland Journal (ARS/CSIRO; 1976-), plus videos and other resources about the rangelands of Australia.