YEARS: 9–10
The conflict between industry and conservation is not a new one.
This clip, taken from a 1973 Four Corners program, highlights the conflict between those wishing to preserve Australia's natural environment and those representing industrial interests.
Industry is shown to be spending millions of dollars to prevent pollution.
What evidence is there that this investment is having much effect?
Things to think about
- 1.Imagine that you had to organise a national debate on our treatment of the environment and you had the power to enrol representatives from any Australian interest group, such as The Greens or Australian Mining. What interest groups would you include and which sides would you have them arguing for? Are these choices always clear-cut? Which side would you prefer to support, and why?
- 2.What are the five areas singled out in the clip as being of environmental concern? The woman speaking in the clip is Juliana Hooper; who is she representing? What organisation does Milo Dunphy represent?
- 3.What assumptions can you make about the attitude of the film maker towards the environment issue? What evidence from the clip backs up your assumptions? Although the clip was filmed 40 years ago, the concerns voiced are all still relevant today. Find a present-day example of 'environmental stress' for each of the five areas you noted in the clip.
- 4.The two specific groups represented in the clip were BHP Billiton and the Total Environment Centre. Research these groups to find out what each is doing today to lessen Australia's impact on the environment. Design a poster for each to publicise their aims and actions.
Date of broadcast: 19 May 1973
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