The Diary

Our Backyard

Wise Words

 

I love a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains, Of ragged mountain ranges, of droughts and flooding rains. Dorothea McKellar

 
 

In the News

ABC News

ABC News

Crocodiles and phones don’t mix ...

Find Out More >

 
ABC News

ABC News

Unwanted guests on Macquarie Island ...

Find Out More >

 
 

The Facts

Australia is sometimes called 'the lucky Country'. We have so many wonderful natural resources and unique flora and fauna, but there are some problems too.

 

iStock_000016199962Large_600

 

State/Territory Snapshot212125_9302_250

 

There are particular environmental problems in our backyard. Have you heard of some of these current debates?

 

NSW: Weeds are big threat to our biodiversity. Make a garden that attracts native animals

 

VIC:  Salinity is the problem we call salt moving to the surface with groundwater and it can cause problems for growing crops and native plants. It's a tricky read, but CSIRO have lots of information if you want to know more. 579094_22174993_250

 

ACT: Canberra is our national capital. Parliament debates our future. They are currently talking about Climate Change and ideas to help.  What are the arguments? Ask your teacher.

 

WA: The Kimberly is home to some of our most unique flora and fauna. Mining and exploration provides many jobs for people.  How can we protect the Kimberly and jobs?

 

SA: Water is like liquid gold.  There are problems that can damage water quality. Learn about them. 890259_40934998_250

 

TAS: Lake Pedder in south-west Tasmania was flooded to supply.  Many people were concerned about this and the world's first Green political party came into being, the United Tasmania Group.

 

NT: Sea water intrusion into Kakadu Nataional Park.  As sea level rises due to climate change, more sea water moves into the fresh water wetlands of Kakadu and will impact on plants and animals.   Read the Prime Minister's press release.

 

QLD: Protecting the Great Barrier Reef so everyone can enjoy it is important. The reef is a natural wonder! Dive in and check it out.

 

Challenge

Where is your closest National Park?  Maybe your family would like to plan a picnic?

Fantastic fact

There are over 2000 Museums in Australia!

 

Action Ideas

Locate It!

Search on environment or endangered species. Can you find your house or the closest national park using Google Earth?

 

Hands On!

Do you have a map in your room? Mark the places you'd like to explore on it!

 

Culture and Heritage275tropical-forest-or-bush-in-australia1n45128627534_884_250

Different groups of people have different cultures - their customs, values and beliefs.

 

Heritage are the things from our past and present that we value and save for the next generation.

 

Our Precious Places

Who needs to go overseas - some of the most incredible places are right here.

 

Fraser Island, Kakadu, Uluru, Blue Mountains - all of these incredible places and more are on the World Heritage List.

 

This means they are very special to the planet and worth conserving forever.


Landmarks are part of nature: The Olgas

 

Attractions are often man-made: Sydney Harbour Bridge

 

More Juicy Stuff...

Tectonic plates: huge plates of slowly moving rock that make up the foundation of the Earth's crust and the shape of the continents;

 

GPS: Global positioning systems powered by computers and satellites that map location;

 

States and Territories: In our federal system of government, a territory is an area which has not been given the full rights of a state.

GLD illo 34_250

 

Top Aussie Issues

  • Waterway health
  • Feral animals
  • Land clearing
  • Ocean dumping and over fishing
  • Invasive species
  • Litter
  • Urbanization
  • Soil Salinity

 

Special Oz Stuff

  • Akubura hats
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • Aussie slang
  • Dreamtime stories
  • Vegemite                        ....can you think of more?
 

You too can get involved...

Get started here!
Download the Green Scrapbook, come back to the website every week for tips and information, record your journey and win the competition!

Download the Green Scrapbook

Tips and Resources

Tips and Resources

We have compiled a list of ideas just to get you going. Try these eco activities - share them with your family and friends. Rate your progress. Be honest so you know what you can work on.

 

From waste, water and energy to what you eat and what you buy - its all about taking action...  Together we can make a difference!

Find out more

Tell a friend about this page

Tell us what you're doing

What do you think? Vote in our poll >

Green Lane Newsletter

Sign up to the Green Lane newsletter and get emails every week with tips and challenges!

Green Lane Diary - winner of the 2010 Interactive Media Award


Green Lane Diary - winner of the 2010 Web Award for best Educational website


Green Lane Diary - runner up of the 2011 Publishers Australia excellence awards, Special Edition of the Year

 
 
CONTACT US
Green Cross Australia, PO Box 12117, George Street, Brisbane QLD 4003, Australia
Ph: +61 (0)7 3003 0644        Fax: +61 (0)7 3003 0855
+ EMAIL US
Copyright © Green Cross Australia | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
web design brisbane :: (zero)seven