Journal Article

This paper examines Victoria's land-use history and the range of environmental, economic and social forces that resulted in the significant depletion of the state's natural assets. Historically, a succession of differing management practices has been applied to Victoria's natural assets, from Koori husbandry, through pastoralism to the more intensive agriculture of settlers. In the 20th century agronomy and technology further intensified and industrialised production across most landscapes. Land-use activities of one generation frequently caused management issues for the following generation, continuing a decline in the living natural capital. Environmental assets and processes were not considered and remained as external factors to economic production. Analysis suggests current and future drivers of land-use are changing and thus that future landscapes will change. There are therefore opportunities for the community to reverse some of the adverse effects of past practices. This increased knowledge, plus the affluence gained through past consumption of natural assets, should be used to replenish the living natural capital.