many thanks to Andy, Richard and J. Harding for enlightening me [us] on how land
clearing can help reduce erosion. I was aware of the woody weed problem but
hadn't realised that the vegetation being invaded was originally Mitchell
Grasslands. I thought that for much of that country there was also an open tree
layer. I still wonder though whether 'pulling or pushing' the scrub is the best
way to encourage the original veg back. What's to stop the woody weeds, or other
undesirable species, regrowing from rootstock or seed? What is the success rate
at getting back tussock grassland, or something approaching the original veg in
species composition and structure?
Richard discussed the viability of the sheep grazing industry in western Qld and
quite rightly pointed out the struggle that many graziers are having to put food
on the table. However, he then falls back to the old rural battler attitude that
things are looking up - the price of wool is rising [its a boom and bust cycle
and always will be], next year will not be a drought [forgetting that droughts
are the norm] etc. What is needed is a bit of honesty from all Australians about
the viability of many of our industries in inland Australia. We should be
looking at ways of helping people in this marginal country get off the land,
rather than struggling on, generating little wealth for themselves or the
nation, and doing irreversible environmental damage in the process.
anyway, I've said enough
Peter
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