Amphlett, K. 2008
Car Dependence in Australian Cities: a discussion of causes, environmental impact and possible solutions
Abstract
This essay investigates why Australia’s five major cities have become so dependent on the automobile. The essay also discusses the impact of car dependence on the environment and suggests possible solutions to the problem. Changes to urban planning following the post-war long boom period of the 1950s and 1960s resulted in major restructuring in the retail and manufacturing industries. The combination of these changes with the economic boom led to Australian cities becoming among the most car dependent in the world. This dependence on cars creates a multitude of environmental concerns and calls for improved public transport options, modification to urban structural planning and a return to ‘soft’ modes of transport.
Full Text PDF (343 KB)
Christa, I. 2005
Environmental Impact Assessment and the Pursuit of Sustainable Development
Abstract
Meeting the goals of sustainable development has officially
been an aim of those in control of the Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) process. With a focus on Australia, this article aims to highlight
the differences between the EIA process in theory and its application
in reality.
Full Text: PDF (41.2 KB)
Gregory, R.
2003
Not in My Park. Community Opposition to the Enhancement of Urban
Biodiversity: A Case Study of Heywood Park
Abstract
Heywood Park in Unley is home to the last remnant stand
of Grey box trees on the Adelaide
Plains. Due to current management practices many of these eucalypts
are showing signs of stress. A plan by Unley City Council to implement
understorey plantings in an effort to minimise the stress was met with
staunch community opposition. This paper provides an overview of the
Heywood Park debate and identifies the major reasons of opposition.
The paper also investigates the wider community’s perception of
native vegetation and the ways this may have influenced the opposition
to the enhancement of biodiversity in Heywood Park.
Full Text:
PDF (63 KB)
Irwin, R. 2003
The Cost of Adventure: the effects of rising insurance premiums on selected
Adventure Organisations in South Australia, 2002
Abstract
This
research examined what effect
rising pubic liability insurance premiums over 2000 – 2002 had on a
selection of adventure organisations in South Australia. Four adventure organisations were included
in the research, comprising both business and ‘not-for-profit’ organisations.
This paper reviews the insurance situation, identifying its causes,
before moving on to its effects. Interviews,
with adventure organisation representatives, established that all the
organisations experienced a significant rise in their public liability
premiums. It was found that some of the organisations
were forced to operate uninsured for short periods of time while others
were forced to postpone their activities.
This research questions the future of these organisations, should
premiums continue to rise.
Full Text: PDF (127 KB)
Marshall, J. 2003
Fox in the Hen House
Abstract
Tasmania has been considered an important haven for wildlife,
and until recently was free one of the most problematic vertebrate pests
the European Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes). A purposeful release of about
20 foxes was carried out by persons unknown and foxes appear to have
become established. The authorities under the direction of the Department
of Primary Industries, Water & Environment (DPIWE), have formulated
a plan under the Fox Taskforce of eradication that has drawn on much
expertise from the established fox control programmes refined on the
mainland. This Tasmanian plan has been criticised for its delayed implementation
but embodies the elements of successful 'best practise' methods. The
time that has lapsed has not been wasted with the DPIWE undertaking
data collection and public education programmes to enhance the probability
of successful eradication. The programmes continue.
Full Text:
PDF (112 KB)
Carter, M. 2002
An Investigation into Agricultural Use of Reclaimed Water in the Willunga
Basin, South Australia, 2001
Abstract
In the Willunga Basin the lack of reliable, good quality water has
restricted the expansion and development of primary industry. A privately
funded pipeline from Christies Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant to the
Willunga Basin was constructed to supply reclaimed water for agricultural
irrigation. Using reclaimed water for irrigation presents unique management
issues. The local council is currently negotiating to have the outflow
of an upgraded wastewater treatment plant added to the overall reclaimed
water scheme. However, the Christies Beach reclaimed water is not being
fully utilised as yet, therefore, presenting a barrier to the inclusion
of this additional source of water.
Full Text:
PDF (110 KB)
Farrington, F. 2002
Towards a Useful Definition: Advantages and Criticisms of Social Exclusion
Abstract
This paper identifies the variety of ways in which ‘social
exclusion’ has been conceived. Definitions, their advantages,
and the policy issues that arise are systematically dealt with.
Finally, overall problems of the ‘social exclusion’ paradigm
are discussed and further policy implications are identified.
It is concluded that social exclusion is a useful way of perceiving
multiple-disadvantage, however, it must be defined and dealt with in
way that recognises difference. Overall inequalities and their
causes also must be addressed.
Full Text:
PDF (76 KB)
Stalenberg, N. 2002
Transcendent and Emotional Affinity Experiences: The Transition from
Water-lover to Water-carer
Abstract
This paper investigates the role that transcendent experiences and
emotional affinity with natural water bodies have in motivating people
to protect and restore aquatic environments. Water is vital for
all life forms and new ways must be identified to encourage people to
preserve it. Through semi-structured interviews three case studies describe:
the environments where the experiences occurred; what they were doing;
their feelings; and whether they were motivated to protect that environment.
Transcendent experiences and emotional affinity with fresh and salt-water
bodies play an important part in inspiring people to look after aquatic
environments and other forms of nature.
Full Text:
PDF (62 KB)
McFarlane, T. 2001
The Battle for Seattle: discourse, The Australian and framing representations
of the Seattle World Trade Organisation Protests
Abstract
The mass media play a vital role in the textual production of meanings
and realities surrounding new events and situations. Through the selective
allocation of attention and the use of framing mechanisms the media
influence audience perceptions. In covering social protest situations,
media narratives often act to deligitimise, marginalise and demonise
protest groups within the context of a ‘protest paradigm’. The Australian’s
coverage of the Seattle World Trade Organisation (WTO) protests was
analysed to reveal the use of framing in this process. An international
pro-WTO hegemony dominated narratives in The Australian, receiving the
most depth and quantity of attention. A number of frames were identified
in the news texts: ‘protest as performance’, ‘protestor appearances
and identity’, ‘the battle for Seattle’, ‘links to the past’, and ‘protestor
ignorance and stupidity’. These protest specific framing mechanisms
continued the process of protestor deligitimisation and marginalisation.
Full Text:
PDF (106 KB)
Playford, T. 2001
Australian Governments and Sustainable Housing
Abstract
Cities have the capacity to negatively impact on the environment in
many ways, and therefore it is important for government at all levels
to address these negative impacts. This essay explores the efforts made
by the three levels of Australian government to make Australian cities
more sustainable.
Full Text:
PDF (33 KB)
Francis, P. 2000
The Whole Truth...?
Abstract
The term, 'the Black Armband view of history' has come into common
usage in recent years. It has been taken up most strongly by those within
the Australian community who perceive that the history of Australia
is being re-written with undue attention being given to the negative
aspects of European settlement, in particular the treatment of Australia's
indigenous peoples. Others view these additions as an appropriate and
necessary filling in of those parts of Australia's history that have
been ignored or minimised in what has been described as 'the Great Australian
Silence'.
Full Text:
PDF (22 KB)
McFarlane, T. 1998
Cities in the Marketplace, the Costs and Benefits of International Spectacle
Economies
Abstract
This essay gives an overview of the costs and benefits associated
with the pursuit of international spectacle economies by urban governments
in the late 20 th century through the hosting
of international events such as the Olympics and World Expos. Areas
covered include cities in the marketplace; the direct costs of trying
to attract, and subsequently hosting, international events; direct and
indirect economic benefits; tourism gains; infrastructural changes;
changing urban images; and ultimately the effects on residents and the
community.
Full Text:
PDF (37 KB)
Richards, N. 1999
Maps, Are They Instruments of Power?
Abstract
Maps are powerful instruments that influence our interpretation
of the space around us and the phenomena that occur within it. In historical
and contemporary contexts maps have been, and are used, to create and
perpetuate power, and to legitimate property and political claims. Maps,
as with other forms of human communication, inevitably represent the
interests, prejudices and goals of the people that create them and therefore
need to be interpreted with care.
Full Text:
PDF (25 KB)
Milton, C. 1998
The Parana' Pertinence
Abstract
The following research essay is a case study of the Brazilian
State of Parana’, with a specific focus on the municipality of
Toledo. Toledo is an example of a municipality that operates a locally
driven, funded and managed economic development program. The success
that Toledo experienced during the 1980s raises the question of whether
this type of program could offer a possible solution to economic decline
in Australia’s secondary cities.
Full Text:
PDF (43 KB)
Symonds, J. 1998
Recycling in Jamestown: What's the Problem?
Abstract
Jamestown, in the Mid-North of the state, has recently changed
its methods of waste disposal. The Jamestown Dump, located nearby, has
come under new ownership and has become the Jamestown Recycling Centre.
To take their recyclables there, the community must pay a fee. Due to
this fee, people are reluctant to recycle. This report will look into
the various methods of waste disposal in the town and how fees affect
people’s recycling habits.
Full Text:
PDF (402 KB)
Treloar, J. 1998
Recovery and Use of Landfill Gas in Adelaide, South Australia
Abstract
Australians rate amongst the highest producers of waste
in the world, producing an average of 780 kilograms of disposable solid
waste per capita annually (NOGIC 1996). The accumulation of waste, deposited
mainly in landfill sites, creates large amounts of landfill gas that
becomes an environmental pollutant and a re-useable energy source.
The main constituents of landfill gas are
methane and carbon dioxide, both of which are major contributors to
global warming. Methane is also a highly flammable gas, making it a
also a threat to public safety. This report looks at the potential impact
on the biosphere and atmosphere resulting from landfill gas as a pollutant,
and also discusses the risks to public health and safety. Some practical
methods of minimising environmental degradation, and using landfill
gas as a valuable commercial resource in terms of current usage and
future potential are also discussed.
Full Text:
PDF (279 KB)
Vidler, S. 1998
Carbon Sequestering: Banking on the Future
Abstract
Carbon Sequestering - a band-aid solution or an industry
of the 21st century with real environmental
benefits? The anthropocentric release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
is causing world wide environmental and economic problems. In Western
Australia’s salinity affect wheatbelt area 1500 farmers together
with the Western Australian government and various private companies
are seeking to invest in the intangible product of carbon credits.
Full Text:
PDF (234 KB)
Curtin, T. 1997
The Causes and Consequences of Ecological Imperialism
Abstract
A major element of globalisation today has its roots in
the capitalist growth into new markets in the nineteenth century. Although
ostensibly driven by a drying up of investment opportunities in the
industrialised countries of northern Europe, it may not have been inevitable.
The view of one historian holds that it made more economic sense for
these countries to broaden wealth distribution through increased trade
with each other. History records that colonial imperialist expansion
spread the culture of capitalism across the globe. Along with it went
a plague of alien plant and animal species, accompanied by the forced
conversion of indigenous environments to production values. Some formed
a resistance to this invasion and survived. Most did not. The countries
on the receiving end, however, are the same ones who now suggest that
expediency in matters of development must override those concerning
the physical environment. We in the industrialised world should not
be surprised.
Full Text:
PDF (34 KB)
Tilbrook, M. 1997
Elizabethectomy: Caesarian Sections in Elizabeth
Abstract
This paper is a brief examination of possible explanations for
the high rate of Caesarian sections performed on residents of the Elizabeth
LGA by comparison to other LGAs within the Adelaide SD. Gawler and Salisbury
have Similar demographics, but while small-area variation factors work
to much the same effect in those areas, there is an area of distinction
- in Elizabeth the number of mothers in the age range 15-19 years is
about twice the next highest LGA. Mothers having a child by Caesarian
section generally need to have all subsequent births by the same process.
It appears that in Elizabeth a critical mass has been reached.
Full Text:
PDF (404 KB)
