A River and its People: Tracing Socio–Ecological Relations in a Contested River Landscape

Abstract

<p>In an age of growing environmental awareness and concerns over climate change, this thesis investigates nature/society relationships in the context of a coastal riverine landscape that has experienced substantial economic, social and environmental changes over recent generations. Many rural localities are dependent on water, with rivers being central to their survival and prosperity. The Nambucca is such a river for it shapes both the landscape and the people. This thesis argues that paying greater attention to social impacts on rivers is critically important. Currently, researchers and policy makers struggle with aspects of ‘the social’ and this impedes progress towards restoring river systems. This research further explores the idea that what people think and do in the landscape determines the plight of rivers and, moreover, our common future.</p> <p>Conceptually, in seeking to quantify the social, two lenses were employed: Actor-network theory and solastalgia. Together these frameworks have been used to help explain several underlying aspects of socio–ecological relationships in the Nambucca. Thinking both about the role of nonhuman actors and the emotional/affective impact of a river on stakeholder perspectives and how these impact river management. The thesis explores such topics and concerns building a picture of the Nambucca as a region with significant levels of interdependence between the social and ecological.</p> <p>Perspectives from Nambucca residents show they see and use ‘their’ river in a multiplicity of ways that create both conflicts and collaborations. Dynamic relationships were identified as a feature within these highly contested landscapes. The research finds the Nambucca region is not alone in the complexities of its socio–ecological relationships and can teach others facing similar challenges a great deal about safeguarding rivers for future generations. This thesis asserts that investigating the social is the only way to secure healthy catchments and thriving communities.</p> <p>The research took place between 2017 and 2021, a period of devastating drought and bushfires that ravaged many rural communities across Australia. Stakeholders from throughout the Nambucca community were consulted about the river. Net-mapping tools and semi-structured interviewing were employed to obtain in-depth perspectives on river management. The research has a narrative style, using the words of valley residents to tell of their experiences, hopes and fears for the river. This is coupled with an extensive review of the social literature on rivers and an examination of historical records pertaining to the Nambucca as the specific case study site. The research identifies, and then focuses on, parts of the social needing greater exposure and analysis. It concludes by quantifying how the thesis’ findings for the Nambucca can assist our understanding of river management challenges more broadly.</p>