Even today with our almost obscene level of consumption and waste we want more. A system that can only survive on growth which equates to consumption. Currently that figure is 3.5%  per annum and anything below rings alarm bells for our economists. This level of growth, if maintained and compounded for another 30 years, means that in this country by 2050 we will be consuming 2.8 times more than in 2019. If this is sustainable I must need a bloody brain transplant.

Already we in Australia enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world. Why not just retain the status quo. Just another pipe dream. Via population growth and this so called progress thing, just like the rabbits on Norfolk Island we will eventually eat ourselves out. How appalling those fish kills in the Darling, but like so many of our waterways, once deep creeks and rivers are now little more than shallow drains. Once large paddle steamers to Bourke, now you’re lucky to paddle a canoe. Our very own river silting up, recall those big boats up to Bellingen. The reason is obvious, exploitation of what we inherited.

Let’s never forget Australia developed off the back of mining, timber and especially agriculture. All those land grants, clear it or lose it. So many rushing in with big hearts and enthusiasm to finish up with broken hearts,  broken backs, and empty pockets, but the damage was done.

Today we live the fat life via the sweat and blood of that past generation, and should not cast stones.

The green alternative is, stop digging holes, cutting trees, and all broadacre non-organic grazing and farming. The alternative would be back to fig leaves and hunting sticks, and I don't see many hands up for that one.

That old saying – don't sever the hand that provides you with all.

Darcey Browning, Thora