Description

How have individuals and communities responded to change, and how have they interacted with the physical environments around them? This book assembles contributions that examine the historic and contemporary relations of people and the environment in an area - specifically, Gippsland in Victoria, Australia. The book is built upon a many-layered history of environmental modifications and on the cusp of rapid economic and social change. It takes account of Aboriginal and 'white' relations, 'old' and 'new' forms of pastoralism and agriculture, water and coastal management and fishing, mining and 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. Earth and Industry: Stories from Gippsland offers an encompassing portrait of this Australian region, exploring its historical, social, and geographical diversity. It takes the reader to parts of the region which belie the predominant media image of the smoke stacks of the Latrobe Valley. 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. (Series: Monash Studies in Australian Society) [Subject: Australian Studies, Sociology, Environmental Studies, History]