Earth and Industry

Earth and Industry assembles a group of researchers to examine the historic and contemporary relations of people and the environment in the area of Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Gippsland is built upon a many-layered history of environmental changes and modifications, and is once again on the cusp of rapid economic and social change. The volume takes into account Aboriginal and 'white' relations, 'old' and 'new' forms of pastoralism, agriculture, water and coastal management,...
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Earth and Industry assembles a group of researchers to examine the historic and contemporary relations of people and the environment in the area of Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Gippsland is built upon a many-layered history of environmental changes and modifications, and is once again on the cusp of rapid economic and social change. The volume takes into account Aboriginal and 'white' relations, 'old' and 'new' forms of pastoralism, agriculture, water and coastal management, fishing, mining, industrialization, forestry, heritage management, and increasing political tensions in relation to the environment. The result is a story of challenges, hardships, and conflicts, as well as resourcefulness and innovation. The book's contributions offer an encompassing portrait of the region, exploring its historical, social, and geographical diversity. It examines parts of the region which belie the predominant media image of the smoke stacks of the Latrobe Valley, and it will be of interest to those seeking to understand the complex interplay of 'country' and 'city' within a world of international economic connections and flows. Earth and Industry shows how individuals and communities have responded to change and interacted with their environments. (Series: Monash Studies in Australian Society)