A goods and services model is derived from what we use our environment for, as well as what we value from it. Ecosystem services range from the production of food and fibre, and other commodities to cycling of nutrients and climate regulation, to flood regulations and disease protection, to social cohesion, a sense of place, cultural and spiritual connection and a general sense of well-being.
As people, our values determine what we're interested in
We derive our livelihoods from our environment. It provides us with food, and a place to live and connect. For the Avon River Basin of WA, agriculture is the largest land user and social, economic and cultural systems have grown around this.
What do the Regional Community value?
It was clear through extensive engagement and group discussions with regional community members that quality of life was most important to them. They could also see how agriculture (and it’s changes) effects the whole system. Particular issues of concern included: the frequency of spring frosts, the spread of agricultural weeds, widespread agricultural chemical use and other changes in climate.
People in the region enjoy the country lifestyle. The safety people felt, their involvement in the community and feeling of self-determination were important values – including “being my own boss”. Many people expressed no desire to ‘join the city rat-race’. In this region people have access to good services, land and housing affordability, they valued not being in traffic, hearing the birds and feeling the sunshine. To open the door at night and hear the peace. A town resident felt there was nothing better than being able to walk to work and mix with all age groups. The regional landscape was integral to people’s lifestyle enjoyment. One described the region as “big paddocks, big skies and red soil” another described it as “trees and biodiversity and fields of crops integrated with a brilliant blue sky”.
When asked what would make them not want to stay in the region, many community members felt that the absence of suitable work, medical care, schools and affordable housing would do it. “Withdrawal of services impacts on people’s ability to live in the community longterm”. For some of the farmers in the region, they would not leave …“until the bank tells me to go” or when they retired because their sons would not be coming back to farming.
