Darling Downs
1975 - 1991
A similar story emerges when we look at the changes that have occurred
on the edges and in the core of the prime agricultural area of the Darling
Downs in Queensland. During the period of 1975 - 1991, there was expansion
by clearing of the agricultural lands. There was also considerable change
in the way the land is used.
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The changes that have occurred on the edges and in the core of the prime
agricultural area of the Darling Downs in Queensland during the period of
1975 - 1991. Notice the change in the spatial patterns of the fields.
The soils and climate of this area confer enormous productivity.
The land is valuable and every hectare is converted to use. Standing in
this landscape, I was impressed by the intrinsic productivity and value
of the land, but depressed by the bleak vista. Nonetheless, the changes
we can detect and interpret appear to consider the well-being of the land.
The changed spatial patterns of cropping are to minimize the risk of soil
erosion.
The expansion of the cultivated lands during the last 20 years was not restricted
to the examples used here. It occurred in all the grain growing states;
South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
