VCE OES Environmental movements in Australia

Your goal To comprehensively evaluate the role of specific environmental movements in changing relationships with outdoor environments. Wilderness society. Australian Conservation Foundation.

A brief history From a (pre colonial) indigenous perspective the existence of environmental groups would have seemed absurd, as they could not conceive the idea of anyone negatively impact the environment. However the first settlers had little or no regard for the environment. For them they were more concerned with harvesting resources and trying to convert it to a more European and less intimidating and hostile place. The first Australian environmental movements were bushwalking groups such as the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria, formed in In the 1900’s Environmental groups slowly grew and were fundamental in setting aside National Parks and crown land however they could be considered more conservation that environmentalism.

Pre 1960’s This era was concerned with conservation of wilderness areas and the setting aside of National parks. 1960’s onwards The beginning of the ‘hippy counter culture’ era included people moving ‘back to the land’ and increasing activism such as blockades to stop logging of old growth forests. 1980’s Increase of anti nuclear activism. 1990’s onwards Growing international focus including global warming.

1909 Wildlife Preservation Society of Australia founded, Australia's first national conservation organisation Campaign by bushwalking clubs and conservationists to establish the Blue Gum Forest near Blackheath in the Blue Mountains as a nature reserve; one of the first campaigns to protect a wilderness area in Australia National Parks Association created Australian Conservation Foundation set up Aquarius Festival held in Nimbim: some festival participants decide to stay in region, establishing it as a focal point of Australian counter-culture Lake Pedder in Tasmania flooded by hydro-electricity dam The Tasmanian Wilderness Society (later to become The Wilderness Society) set up at a meeting at Bob Brown's home in Tasmania Protests at Terania Creek in northern NSW as part of the Save the Rainforests campaign with protestors blocking logging; the first large, on-site, "direct action" environmental protest in Australia Blockades and direct action campaign to prevent damming of the Franklin River Hawke ALP Federal Government grants South West Tasmania World Heritage status to prevent damming of the Franklin River by Tasmania's Hydro-Electric Commission following a grassroots campaign Tasmanian Wilderness Society becomes a national organization as The Wilderness Society French Government agents sink the Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior in Auckland harbour Kyoto Protocol; Australia under PM John Howard refuses to ratify Protests stops Jabiluka uranium mine in Kakadu Kyoto Protocol comes into effect - Australia and USA only first world countries not signed on 2007 Australian Greens raise representation to five federal members, achieve full political party status.

The Wilderness society. purpose is protecting, promoting and restoring wilderness areas. is not for profit, has no political affiliations is community based and has a policy of non violence. Best know for their successful campaign to stop the damming of the Franklin River in Tasmania.

‘Save the Franklin’ Complete work task… Write a 2 page essay that outlines the ‘Save the Franklin Campaign’. Include in your response: What lessons were learnt from the ‘Lake Pedder campaign’? Why was the dam to built and who wanted it built? What would have been the impacts if the dam was built? Why did the Tasmanian government hold a referendum and what about the outcome of this gave confidence to the Wilderness Society. What techniques and strategies that the society used to save the Franklin (ie. To influence the government, gain public support, and the battle the dam builders) political organisation directly benefited from supporting the campaign to stop the dam being built. By a vote of 4 to three, what in the end saved the Franklin. What organisation policies and practises made sure that the Wilderness Society’s campaign would not the focus of ‘bad press’. HOW DO YOU THINK THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY CHANGED PEOPLES RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURAL ENVIRONENTS??

How have environmental movements changed our relationships with outdoor environments? Some have played a significant role in developing an understanding of the environment and the need to protect the environment. These groups have influenced government policy and individual opinions into placing a higher value on our local and national environments. More people joining local conservation groups like ‘Landcare’ and programs like ‘Land for wildlife’. Changing their habits with activities that impact the environment such as burning off, disposing of rubbish, tree removal etc.

Australian Conservation Foundation. Is committed to inspiring people to achieve a healthy environment for all Australians