Rural Sustainability in the Face of Climate Change: Consultation and Adaptation in Australia’s South West Corner

Abstract

The Margaret River region is within a
biodiversity ‘hot spot’ and is an agricultural region
famous for its premium wine production and wine,
gastronomic and ecotourism. These activities are
vulnerable to climate change, especially to
reductions in rainfall and runoff. The region has
experienced demographic growth as the wine and
tourism industries have expanded, and as an
educated and affluent population of retirees, second
home owners, ‘electronic cottagers’ and alternative
lifestylers has moved into the area. Two projects, a
local study as part of a national evaluation of the
adaptation of tourist areas to climate change and a
more focused identification of vulnerable locations
and activities were supported by local government,
business and community organisations and several
adaptive strategies were identified. The success of
these projects can in part be attributed to the
relatively high levels of both education and
environmental awareness possessed by the local
population as a matter of happenstance.
Nevertheless, the original contention of this paper is
that these initiatives also allow communities like
Margaret River to take on the role of front-runners,
providing demonstrations and learning
opportunities on how to manage the transition to
sustainability and guidance on how such methods
might be adapted in other rural areas facing the
challenges of climate change.