Opportunities for the future

Abstract

IN the last issue, David Paton wrote about water rationing in Australia's largest cities and lost opportunities. The opportunities Australia passed by were those which would have avoided the need for water rationing, protected the continent's river systems from degradation, conserved continental biodiversity and contributed importantly to achieving an ecologically sustainable economy. Had Australians been prepared to work together, the opportunities missed could have been taken up at no great cost to either society or individuals. Indeed, the environmental and social benefits generated would have more than compensated for any imagined losses in productivity and income.