The Dalrymple Landcare Group has released the DVD Urban Myths, a
local Landcare initiative that aims to improve communication
between rural and urban populations. The DVD explores what many
rural communities consider are six common misconceptions held by
urban Australians about rural life and land management. The myths
discussed on the DVD are:
- Country people don't care about the environment
- City people understand rural issues
- Rural profits mean environmental losses
- Most of the trees have been cleared
- Country kids all want to live in the city
- Local communities can't fix the environment
Local landholders from the Dalrymple Shire discuss each of these
ideas, and Dr Bradd Witt from the University of Queensland also
shares some of his findings from a survey of Brisbane urban
residents. (See story above).
The aim was to create a useful resource for secondary schools in
study areas encompassing aspects of environmental and catchment
management. The Landcare Group also hopes that the DVD will play an
advocacy role with key politicians and urban journalists
responsible for addressing environmental issues.
"The vast majority of primary producers are sustainable family
businesses planning for the future, who do care for the environment
and who do take up new technologies," said Marie Vitelli, Project
Officer with the Dalrymple Landcare Committee.
"It is hoped that improved communication will help break down
the emerging urban-rural divide and lead to informed decisions
about future land management practices," she said. The DVD and web
production were developed in partnership with the community
cultural development group Feral Arts and local journalist Toni
Somes.
