Opportunities for the future in Australia's grazed rangelands

Abstract

The importance, use and management of Australia's grazed rangelands are being questioned. Financial returns from pastoralism have declined for some and there is increasing interest in alternative land uses. There are also concerns for the protection of natural resources and the conservation of biodiversity. As a result many rangeland users and residents consider that the pastoral rangelands are at a point when substantial and radical change in the way they are used, administered and managed must be implemented. One perspective on the future values the rangelands for all natural resource values that provide sustainable incomes for its residents, strives for more integrated natural resource management, involves the development of more tightly integrated regional economies, and facilitates an increased influence of local communities in guiding land use in their regions. These changes offer many opportunities for individual sectors and for cross-sectoral benefits, cooperation and integration. They offer truly complementary options for future use, although there are still likely to be conflicts over land use. To realise these opportunities will require legislative reform, improved knowledge and skills in pastoralists, legislators and advisers, and better planning processes that engage all stakeholders, set appropriate targets, have land capability as a basis for land use decisions and provide for satisfactory conflict resolution. An understanding of the ecological and economic implications of a new mix of land uses is also required.