McLaren, John (2005) Oceans, droughts and flooding rains. UNSPECIFIED. (Unpublished)

Abstract

Contains a literary discussion on the role played by water and its absence in Australian culture. Water has always been a major factor in determining the patterns of human habitation and culture. The early European settlers to Australia brought a wetlands culture to a dry land. Later immigrants also largely came from wetlands cultures in Europe and Asia. Behind the barrier of the Ocean, we constructed an economy based on intense use of water. If we are to follow the example of the first people in the land and develop a sustainable culture and economy, we need to re-imagine ourselves as a drylands people. At the same time, we need to re-imagine the Ocean as a bridge rather than as a barrier or a threat.

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