Results
Stage I - Landscape Character and Community Visions
In Stage I of the research, landscape character was identified
based on a range of activities. These included literature
reviews, maps, aerial photographs, field surveys and qualitative
interviews with farmers and landholders. This information
contributed knowledge to the description of landscape character
their perceptions and visions.
Two fact sheets have been developed that report on the analysis
of the qualitative interviews. The second page of these fact
sheets shows visual representation of the analysis of landholders'
perceptions and values.
 Landscape Character
and Scenario Visualisations - Mossman (pdf 959 Kb)
Landscape Character
and Scenario Visualisations - Julatten (pdf 1,081 Kb)
The qualitative interviews allowed classification of the
different strategies that farmers/landholders have followed
over time to successfully manage their farm. These strategies
were found to be closely related to distinct groups of farmers/landholders.
More details on the results are contained in the interview summary booklet.
Summary Booklet
of Interviews (pdf 326 Kb)
Wetland and riparian vegetation established with support
from National Heritage Trust funds.
Stage II - Landscape Scenarios
Seven community workshops were conducted and attendees included
farmers, landholders, industries (primary industry and tourism),
environmentalists, a women's group, indigenous people, and
concerned locals. The aim of the workshops was to discuss
possible future pathways (landscape scenarios) and their potential
trade-offs. The workshops offered a forum where participants
could provide their views and discuss 'their preferred future'.
A landscape scenario visualisation developed to stimulate
discussion at community workshops. Note the diversity of land
use.
The information gathered in the workshops provided information
for finding pathways for sustainable future landscape developments
that are acceptable to local people.
Future landscapes
summary booklet of the workshops contain more information about the priorities put forward by the workshop participants.
Development
of Landscape Scenarios for Mossman (pdf 119 Kb)
Development
of Landscape Scenarios for Julatten (pdf 109Kb)
Summary Booklet
of Workshops (pdf 390 Kb) Stage III - Landscape Scenarios
and Trade-offs
The analysis of the data collected from the community workshops
allowed the identification of priorities for future landscape
developments of Mossman and Julatten. Based on these priorities
six landscape scenarios were developed for Mossman and Julatten
for the year 2025. Essentially, the mapping of the landscape
scenarios was, in addition to soil, climate, slope and land
suitability factors, underpinned by information provided by
the workshop participants which was then translated into GIS
rules.
Priorities identified for future landscape developments were:
- Continued agricultural production
- Improved water quality
- Enhanced biodiversity
Based on two distinct future pathways a scenario for each
of the three identified priorities was mapped – with
and without sugarcane.
Current land use / land cover was used as the baseline condition
against which each of the landscape scenarios were compared.
The links below show maps of how conceptually the landscape
may change for the year 2025 with each of the three landscape
priorities (i.e. continued agricultural production, improved
water quality and enhanced biodiversity) with and without
sugarcane. Please contact Iris Bohnet
if you wish to access higher quality versions of these maps.
Principal assumptions of the alternative
futures
Scenario I: Continued agricultural
production as priority
- means to “keep the rural feel of the area”
- means to stop or reduce further rural residential
development
- appreciation of local produce that can be associated with
the landscape
- opportunity to buy locally grown food
- diversification of agricultural crops to reduce financial
risk
- move towards high value small scale crops (e.g.
vegetables, flowers)
- move towards more environmentally friendly/organic farming
practices
- provision of employment opportunities
Scenario II: Improved water quality
as priority
- any activity (e.g. agriculture, rural residential
development) should not pollute water and should not be a
drain on the water supply
- proper farming may use too much water and therefore land
may be better managed according to the current available water
supply
- clean rivers and creeks are highly attractive to locals
and tourists
- necessity to protect Great Barrier Reef
Scenario III: Enhanced biodiversity
as priority
- importance to protect native vegetation on farms
(intrinsic value)
- provision of habitats for native flora and fauna
- move towards more environmentally friendly/organic farming
and management practices
- enhanced biodiversity is attractive for locals and
visitors
- farm stays and educational tours on farms provide
financial opportunities for farmers
Read more about the analysis of the landscape scenarios
• Coming soon!
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