A New Ethos

Two hundred years ago when Europeans settled in Australia they made themselves feel more comfortable by importing familiar animals and plants, some of which have subsequently damaged our environment and are now considered serious pests.

Today many Australians feel a strong affinity with the Australian landscape and the native plants and animals we see in the bush. In our neighbourhood, we enjoy the rainforest and the butterflies, birds and animals which are part of this habitat.

In order to be able to continue to enjoy this wildlife we now realise that we must help to preserve the habitat which it depends on for its survival. Preserving habitats for native animals and plants not only helps to protect our biodiversity, it also ensures that our children will be able to see the wildlife which has enriched our lives.

This is the new ethos for the Australian landscape.

(Photo by John Beasley)