About 40 people attended the launch in Yeppoon for a new book entitled 'Community, Environment and History: Keppel Bay Case Studies'.

The launch was held on Saturday May 26 at Krackers Bistro, Yeppoon, and was conducted by CQU Emeritus Professor Errol Payne. Associate Professor Steven Mullins also addressed the group.

This new publication has been edited and co-authored by CQU academics - Associate Professor Steve Mullins, Dr Barbara Webster and Dr Michael Danaher - and is published by (and available at) CQU Press.

The three editors and two contributing authors, l-r Dr Mike Danaher, Carol Gistitin, Associate Professor Steve Mullins, Dr Barabra Webster and Dr Betty Cosgrove

Community, Environment and History: Keppel Bay Case Studies traces a hundred years of environmental change on the Capricorn Coast, and attempts to explain how attitudes to the local environment have changed.

The book aims to encourage the view that the community is implicated in environmental change, that effective environmental management is an intergenerational concern, and that residents should be actively involved in decision-making to ensure long-term environmental well-being.

One of the book's key messages is that there is a crucial connection between emotional attachment to a place and the desire to take care of that place. To this end, environmental managers should take a wholistic approach and do more to include social, cultural and aesthetic values in their environmental planning.

The book focuses on the provocative issues of the human modification of the coastline and Fitzroy River, efforts to ameliorate beach erosion, the relationship between identity and environment, resort and tourism development, threats to local parks and wildlife, and the provision of fresh water and sewerage in the face of climate change. It also looks at the challenges current residents face in sharing the region's glorious natural assets in a sustainable long-term relationship.

This collection of studies reinforces that environment is the cornerstone of a healthy existence. They provide not only a history lesson, but also one in sustainability.

Alby Wooler, Capricorn Coast Landcare said: "Reading this book is like revisiting a lifetime of lessons learnt, experiences recalled, knowledge gained and observations made."

The new publication includes chapter contributions by CQU historian Dr Betty Cosgrove and former CQU staff member Carol Gistitin.

Details are available via Jan Cardnell phone 4923 2520 or email j.cardnell@cqu.edu.au