Enterprise reconstruction, socio-economic development and effective environmental management are the foundation of this community-based, government-supported scheme. The goal is an enduring future for rural producers and townsfolk. The region is one of the few areas where the defined bioregion corresponds closely to the recognised agricultural production zone. It is rich in wildlife and supports fifty-eight regional ecosystems. Less than 10% of the original woodland cover has been cleared. Currently 320 graziers run mainly cattle, with sheep also in the southwest. Debt management is a concern for some graziers, and land degradation has resulted from impacts including overgrazing, soil erosion and weed invasion. An active committee is implementing a wide range of the Scheme's initiatives, including:
comprehensive action strategies for enterprise reconstruction, natural resource management anregional development,
a regional geographic information system (GIS) and its application,
NHT-supported projects:
i) a land resource assessment of the region with mapped data linked to GIS
ii) the implementation of nature conservation at the property level.
The future success of the Scheme depends on the commitment of dedicated local people, an up-to-date focus on rural issues, keeping pressure on Governments, dissemination of outcomes and a community-owned program that promotes and implements sustainable land management.
August 21-24, 2000
Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia
ISSN 1323-6660
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.