Abstract
This essay discusses the history, geography and ecology of the introduction of the European rabbit into Australia. Special focus on eradication techniques and a discussion on whether the complete eradication of rabbits from Australia is feasible.

Contents:
Introduction and subsequent spread
Implications of invasion
Previous attempts for control
The future
Is eradication feasible?

From the Paper
"Although European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were first introduced into Australia with the arrival of the First Fleet, they did not become feral until an English settler by the name of Thomas Austin introduced 24 rabbits on to his homestead near Geelong in 1858 (EPA, 1999). It is difficult to exactly quantify the rate of spread of European rabbits, since liberation occurred independently in Victoria, South Australia and northern New South Wales, however figure 1 shows a plausible suggestion as to the progressive distribution of rabbit populations in Australia over time (AGPL, 1996)."

Tags:calicivirus, cuniculus, eradication, haemmorhagic, introduced, myxomatosis, oryctolagus, rhd, species

Abstract
The paper compares and contrasts the situation of indigenous hunting practices in the Arctic and North Queensland and discusses whether indigenous peoples should be allowed to hunt species Western scientists deem to be threatened with extinction. The aim of the paper is to show what indigenous people can teach us and how indigenous knowledge can, indeed should, be considered a valuable resource to both the local non-indigenous and scientific community.

From the Paper
"The question of the value and legitimacy of "scientific", or quantitative knowledge, over indigenous, local, or qualitative, knowledge lies at the heart of the debate over many conservation issues. Whether indigenous people should be allowed to hunt species deemed "threatened" or "endangered" is a matter of concern both locally and internationally, with both scientists and indigenous people claiming certain rights and obligations. Scientists and conservationists in the broader community claim it is within their rights to ban certain hunting practices, these rights becoming an obligation when a species is threatened with extinction, while indigenous peoples claim it is within their rights to continue their hunting traditions, and an obligation to pass such traditions on to their children."

Tags:aborigine, conservation, endagered, species, environment, eskimo, protected, whaling

Abstract
There are numerous constraining factors that burden the process of forming an effective environmental policy in Australia. This paper discusses how clashing values and ideas prevent the formulation and implementation of coherent environmental policy in Australia. It looks at how Australia's over-reliance on a resource-based economy, federalist framework and failing policy processes often converge to create conjecture in the environmental arena. The conclusion is a brief summary, which reflects that the conflict and ambiguity plaguing environmental policy in Australia is the direct result of a confusion of ideas.

From the Paper
"A quick review of environmental policy in Australia reveals the extent of confusion surrounding the issue, this confusion can be partially attributed to Australia's dependence on and sometimes exploitation of its natural resources to generate revenue (Eckersley, 1996:89). This utilitarian trend began with European settlement and originated from the developmentalist approach to land management (Walker, 1999:24-5). An approach that fails to recognise the value of nature beyond that which is appropriate for development such as mining, logging and other economically productive practices (Aplin, 1998:173). Developmentalism comes at an immense cost to the environment; large portions of Australia's woodlands and forests have already been destroyed in the relentless pursuit of economic growth. "

Tags:bio, cycle, devolution, diversity, economic, federalism, natural, policy, rationalism, resources

Abstract
Environmental policy is a highly contentious issue with unlimited constraining factors to contend with. Environmental issues continue to grapple with economic imperatives for policy superiority. This paper examines how the options available for managing environmental resources tend to volley between increasing regulatory frameworks or adopting a market based approach. The two options are explored along with examples of success or failure.

From the Paper
"Perhaps the most famous instance of using taxes to combat environmental problems is the case of The Tragedy of the Commons. Believing that pollution was the result of over population Garrett Hardin (1968) proposed a market response to rectify the problem whereby The Tragedy of the Commons could only be avoided by enforcing laws or taxes that would hold the commons accountable for their own actions. The primary goal was to make the treatment of pollutants cheaper than the mere disposal of them, at the heart of this was the notion of private property which in theory was supposed to deter people from damaging their own property by over grazing. In practice however Hardin's (1968) theory in his own words tends to 'favour pollution'. "

Tags:commons, conservation, decentralisation, framework, instruments, pays, regulatory, taxes

Abstract
Compared to the ancient landmass, humans are a recent arrival to what is considered the state of Virginia. This essay documents the extent to which human land use has impacted the Virginian landscape.

Table of Contents:
Ancient Virginia
Arrival of Humans
Archaic Woodland Period
Europeans
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Undoubtedly, Virginia is old with complex geology, to the west lies the ancient Appalachian and Blue Ridge province, formed on the margin of Laurentia during the Proterozoic over 1,100 million years ago. The largest physiographic province in Virginia is the Piedmont (appendix 1) comprised of weathered bedrock, overlain with saprolite, eroded in stream valleys. The Coastal plain is a terraced landscape, the bedrock consists of igneous and metamorphic rock, with various layers above comprised of sediment deposited in warm shallow seas, and eroded clay, sand, and gravel stripped from the Appalachians (Roberts and Bailey 2001). Remaining temperate forests seen below, possibly began forming about 10,000 years ago, when the Virginian shoreline extended some 30 miles further east onto the continental shelf, and glaciers withdrew as the climate warmed, though temperatures were still much colder than today (Riparian Forest Buffers 1996). The piedmont to the west, and coastal plain to the east is a dynamic environment, continually undergoing change through natural processes."

Tags:archaeology, burial, earthen, extinction, landuse, pollutants

Abstract
This paper is a field study that presents the resource management for Lake Wivenhoe, a set of procedures established to maintain Lake Wivenhoe's quality at an acceptably high level, its certainty being guaranteed and its lifespan indefinite, if all appropriate decisions are made. This report investigates the theme of sustainable resource management and the implications that could occur if certain actions are not taken. The author states that the data came from local sources and field observation. Includes an attractive presentation and graphs.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Data Collection
Data Presentation and Analysis
Rural Management
Grazing
Trees
Runoff
Agriculture
Education of Framers
Monitoring
Wildlife
Fencing
Recreational Management
Fishing
Boating
Camping
Picnicking
Education
Publications
Commercial and Industrial Management
SEQ Water Board control
Hydroelectric Power
Scientific Management
Seismology
Water Quality
Rainfall and Runoff Monitoring
Flood Mitigation
Findings
Rural Management
Recreational Management
Commercial and Industrial Management
Scientific Management
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The SEQ water Board is the corporation that is in control of managing Lake Wivenhoe and its surrounding lakes. The Water Board has had over 15 years' experience running the lake at the highest standard possible. It is a stable corporation that that can control its own finances without any political interference. Also, it has always followed the guidelines set up by the government on water quality. The SEQ Water Board receives no government funding and is therefore responsible for its own financial state."

Tags:australia, geography, management, sustainable

Abstract
A discussion of the demand and supply of water market as well as the inefficiencies of water market as natural monopoly. This paper emphasises on methods to regulate natural monopoly and explains the few ways in which government should regulate natural monopoly. It discusses two distinct types of government policy, marginal cost pricing and average cost pricing. It also identifies the benefits and costs of each pricing method.

From the Paper
"Water is one of the most precious natural resources. Human beings are now becoming increasingly aware of the importance of water to their survival and its limited supply, especially in such a dry continent as Australia. Water market is not static as both exogenous (outside the market) and endogenous (inside the market) effects tend to result in shifts and movements of both the demand and supply curves (Materano and Atkinson: 1996). There are many factors that influence the quantity demanded and quantity supplied in the water market, not only the prices. Supply and demand are the forces that make market economics work. The basic model of supply and demand is the workhorse of microeconomics (Pindyck and Rubinfeld: 1989) because they determine the quantity of each good produced."

Tags:monopoly, natural, supply, demand, resource, cost, price, production

Abstract
This paper examines how economic growth in developed countries is affecting individual well-being, justice within society and environmental sustainability. This includes how economic growth damages mental health, physical health and our feelings of happiness. The paper then considers the treatment of unpaid workers and the protection afforded to the vulnerable in society. The paper also considers the lack of concern for dangerous emissions and industrial malpractices such as the dumping of waste. These issues are considered with respect to John Rawls' vision of "Justice as Fairness" and Australian Prime Minister John Howard's speech entitled, "Getting the Big Things Right".

From the Paper
"Political ideology in Australia and many developed nations emphasises the perceived importance of strong economic growth. Policy is focussed on establishing an economy where Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is rising, inflation and unemployment are low and foreign debts are zero. Much of this growth in GDP, which is the measure of total monetary transactions in the economy , is justified by a magical and unfounded belief that society is like a pipeline where money is sucked in at one end and wellbeing flows out the other . However, the world is a complex system that does not simply transform wealth into human wellbeing. The societies and environment in which we, as individuals, live is dynamic and affected by multiple factors. In 2004, Australian Prime Minister John Howard gave a speech entitled, "Getting the Big Things Right" in which he asserts that Australia would be a "fair and just society" based around a strong economy."

Tags:well-being, health, happiness, wealth, society, emissions, waste

Abstract
This paper examines the Solar Sailor, a Hybrid powered watercraft which utilizes its sails as a means of also collecting solar power, so while the boat is being propelled by the wind the energy collected via the solar panels run the two extremely efficient electric motors. The Solar Sailor is very ecologically and environmentally friendly since the cost of running it is very low when compared to the cost of running a diesel-powered boat. The paper looks at potential uses of the craft and discusses relevant ethical issues such as the cost of the craft itself over the environmental advantages. It concludes with the impact of the Solar Sailor on society, particularly in Australia where it was invented such as a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and landscape protection.

From the Paper
"A 21 meter Solar Sailor costs around $3 million compared to $2 million for an equivalent diesel engine model. Even though over a 15 yr period taking into consideration fuel and maintenance costs the Solar Sailor works out to be considerably cheaper. The only thing that is stopping the Solar Sailor from becoming a worldwide success is the fact that the older style propulsion technologies enjoy a huge comfort zone, which is bolstered by the world's fiscal policies and risk-averse conservatism. The view of Dane is that "Until we start taxing people for carbon emissions, or taxing diesel for the costs it imposes on the environment, the attractions of these kinds of technologies will increase only slowly". Over time he hopes that his patience, hard economic numbers and the day-to-day performance of his Solar Sailor will win buyers over."

Tags:australia, boats, design, environment, technology

Abstract
A look at conflict over the scarcity of natural resources. The author investigates the conflict over: the degradation of fossil fuels, forests and agricultural land as well as pollution of fresh water and depletion of fisheries. The author argues that scarcity of these will lead to environmental stress and increased economic deprivation leading to social turmoil and conflict, both inter and intra-state.

From the Paper
"The debate over whether environmental scarcity is a crucial factor in conflict and therefore worth paying close attention to in what is perceived as a world of diminishing resources is contentious. In many respects it seems logical to conclude that since so many wars in history have had economic causes then something like the scarcity of natural resources would in all likelihood be a source of conflict in the 21st Century."

Tags:water, environment, war, states, population, climate, fisheries, degradation, depletion, scarce