Typically though , the wealthy investors were ignoring what made the scene so special -Grass and Agriculture.
It hasn't been an easy week for me . Like Bob Katter I get depressed when people don't listen - I mean really listen -( especially the new breed of worriers from the city) . They patronise us , our people , the country and its children. They can't see the beauty for the trees, and before long, that's all they will have. They don't really listen to the real issues of looking after the bush and the people there.
Feel for Bob and the 3 amigos trying to get a grip on the opportunity they have to influence our future ; What a workload and a responsibility they have. With all that power ,we know it is possible for any one of us to be distracted- (Wanting to change the constitution- wild claims about who owns the land? - Leviticus 25:23) . Bob mentioned "God given" opportunity - well , noone else could have organised him to be heard like he has been .I pray for them, that they get the priorities for the country right ,and don't get distracted any further .
My concerns this week have been more concrete and local . On the weekend I met a farmer friend who owns some of the most beautiful land in the country( Just like the bit pictured) and he's now just selling it off piece by piece to the very wealthy .He has never had a lot of cash, single most of his life his profile is like that one pictured here. All my hard work in the area to keep it attractive and with public benefit "externalities" is clearly under threat.
The paradox of rural life is that its "poverty" keeps a beauty that the rich may treasure, but in keeping it for themselves - destroy . The once so beautiful - gone never to return .That reality should break your heart too, because it was only a few years ago it was your country to enjoy too !
His actions are a real symbol of what Australia has come too - selling our soul out the rich and the apparently " more succesful" .
Rural people never get a return to capital easily. The city girl may love the idea of being a farmer's wife but - if she only knew what the demands were, she would understand why my rich handsome friend had no best friend for most of his life ( very common ). This blind ignorance and arrogance from the city creates much mental illness out here. Instead of being respected for being the salt of the earth as they once were , the new generation of young farmers get guilt ( not sound sustainability questions) projected on them with quiet contempt from "Wow aren't we clever" city people . "We really know how to get the most out of life"; Extracting the very last drop for themselves and their causes .They might vote green but are they really thinking green like we have to ? . Those whose focus is on extracting the last drop would not last out here - Their preoccupation with Alan Kohlers' curves and route to success - that 1% or so that separates them from the Jones next door who only get 11% return to their capital . I won't tell you what farmers all round the world get . Unless of course you really want to know.
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