This subject focuses on habitats and on unique Australian species of flora and fauna in the sub-tropical and tropical areas of Queensland, as special case studies in the management of terrestrial and marine environment and ecology. We will examine some of the history of environmental issues and current thinking about best management practices. These are vital issues in environmental planning, now that the demands of tourism need to be compatible with the environmentally sustainable use of ecologically highly sensitive areas. We will look at the Australian East coast from the days of the whalers, to the whale and dolphin-watchers of today; from forests and wetlands giving way to modern coastal cities. We will compare the threats to the rainforests by timber-getters old and new, threats to the Great Barrier Reef locally and globally, and the growing impact of eco-tourism of recent years. Local experts will provide an introduction to issues in the management of coastal and coral reef ecology.

The syllabus is reflected in the aims of this subject:

• Provide an overview of the physical and social geography, the climate and other key environmental factors facing plant, animal and human life in Australia's tropical and subtropical coastal and forest areas;
• Explain and show to students a number of key ecological issues facing native plant and animal populations, and marine life on this part of the Australian coast;
• Explain and show to students the ecological impact, past and present, of the demands of the modern economy, especially tourist activities.