Hi All,
I agree with Debbie, that most Aussies don’t really care about our animals or environment generally, maybe only about some cute ones, like koalas etc. The vast majority of people don’t understand even the basic ecological principles, sadly even after years of David Attenborough shows and others. I think, sadly we often think they do (or hope they do), because we are involved with a circle of people who do care and understand, either colleagues involved with wildlife or those who visit nature reserves on a regular basis. This probably clouds the way the community really is! I can only go by what I see and hear from my non-wildlife friends, family and local community, generally they know very little and care little, the environment’s nice and should be saved, but as long as it doesn’t upset my lifestyle and I’m busy anyway!
Birding organisations (and others) in Australia in promoting birds and environment have dropped the ball for far too long, we have missed at least, a whole generation of school kids, who love technology, but not the natural world. The community hasn’t helped with removing many places (wetlands etc) or stopping kids going to places, where the love for natural things grows. Mobile phones and computers have filled the void.
After lots of travel to the UK, I also see a different attitude and mentality in Australia to wildlife. Maybe it’s the cold harsh winters over there where people are forced to read books inside or watch TV, and often are more interested in wildlife, plus the British attitude of ‘ this is our British wildlife, so we will look after it, God save the Queen’. I know they have their environmental problems too, but more people are in some way interested enough in wildlife to do things, the RSPB has over a million members alone! What I see of Australia sadly, is a country where, probably due to our better climate among many factors, promotes a huge interest in sport and being outside. More of an attitude of ‘let’s have a barbie’ and ‘she’ll be right mate’. Australia, I think is one of the best countries in the world, but our general attitude is rebellious (from our convict beginnings?) and just out to have a good time, without considering future implications. I know not all Aussie are like this, but to me this does appear to be the ‘general spirit’ of Australia concerning many issues and I’m not sure how it will change, at least not in the short term.
Regards,
Richard king
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