Population decline and socio-economic adjustments in the central Poplar Box (Eucalyptus populnea) Lands: Responses to changes in the grazing industry.

Abstract

The poplar box lands which are threatened by shrub regrowth and increase produce approximately 1% of Australia's agri- cultural production and represent 3% of her grazing industry. The population of most of the region's towns and all the rural areas has declined over the last 10 years in response to adjustments made by the grazing industry. It is probable that the shrub problem has exacerbated this decline. The implications of this decline are explained and related to the socioeconomic structu~e of the region. It is suggested that the depopulation of these lands will continue for some years.