Looking Past the North–South Divide

Abstract

The aim of this final chapter is to look beyond the north–south divide and to explore the possibilities of reconciling the needs of both northern and southern Australia to secure a better future for the nation as a whole. I do this first by looking further into how the north’s future may look with and without these more strategic and innovative solutions. I then take a quick look at the fact that, to underpin these solutions, there is a need for global and not just national and local changes within our society and culture. These changes relate to the way we view resources, the way we collaborate across cultural divides and growing an understanding of the role played by hinterland communities in providing the ecosystem and food services needed by cities. Finally, to give my proposed forward agenda best effect, I look at some opportunities that now lie ahead of us, and what needs to be done for the north to take advantage of them.