81% of Australia’s land surface, but only 2% of the people live there, of whom 28% are Indigenous.
They are characterised by highly variable and in many cases low rainfall, extreme weather events, long occupation by humans (60,000 years), unique suite of plants and animals, and high frequency of fire.
All economic activity is derived from the natural resources, with the main activities are mineral extraction, grazing domestic animals, tourism and tourism.   Emerging uses are carbon sequestration, station stay tourism, Indigenous tourism, private conservation philanthropy, renewable energy, and bush foods and timbers.  The main threats/ challenges to the rangelands are overgrazing, weeds and pests, climate change, declining population, and remote and poorly designed governance.  Some good news are the regional natural resource management organisations, better regulation of land use, supporting Indigenous management aspirations, new communication technologies, and better fire management.

And also from President Don;

Christmas Lunch – Sunday 28 November