Managing the Environment
- The Australian continent is vast and variable. Its soils are very old and highly weathered and its climate is largely arid and highly variable. The environment is thus fragile and needs to be carefully managed.
- It needs to be noted that our food producers manage over 60% of the land area on behalf of the nation and generally do a good job.
- Soil erosion, a major problem of the past, has largely been addressed through adoption of conservation farming and maintenance of soil cover.
- Efficient use of fertilisers and pesticides are part of best practice implemented by farmers and pastoralists.
- However there are new issues to manage - finite water resources and maintenance of biodiversity. These are extra above the needs of productivity improvement and adaptability to climate variability.
Opportunities continue to exist therefore in the areas addressing these environmental challenges. From primary producers to researchers to advisors to regulators, best practice regimes will require fully qualified professionals for high level outcomes to be achieved. An agricultural, or related, degree will create opportunities for a long term career in the area of environmental management and enable you to make a difference in sustaining our environment, our country and contribute to international improvement.