This means that development decisions need to be less fragmented and incremental: just one more ecologically insensitive development is one too many. Development choices must reflect the collective choices of the whole community rather than just sectional interest groups or governments.

Decisions taken by individual citizens, and their families and diverse communities of interest need to be ecologically sound. The capacity for this to occur must be developed and given priority so that people:

• generally better understand the interaction between human activity and the natural environment
• better understand the real impacts and costs of development
• have a better appreciation of the intergenerational benefits of development decisions and the need to adaptively absorb any necessary costs
• are able to take more informed action in their daily lives and
• are able to generate creative ideas and innovation, beyond governments and their agencies.

LAND KEEPERS

Addressing the recovery of fire-damaged landscapes, enhancing biodiversity on rural and non-urban land and building strong partnerships between community and government

Land Keepers is addressing the recovery of fire-damaged landscapes, particularly in the Lower Cotter River catchment as well as protecting and enhancing remnant native vegetation and riparian zones. People across the ACT are being enlisted to work on the landscape restoration task. Over 2500 people have signed up so far. The target is 10 000 by 2010.

Land Keepers has also set up a network of community nurseries to grow locally indigenous plants for their restoration activities. Most rural landholders are also engaged in the program.

A partnership between Greening Australia (Capital Region) Inc and the ACT Government.

Tree planting at Mt MacDonald.

Tree planting results at Mt MacDonald.

Photos Micheal Schultz