Oceans outfalls in Australia: economics, ecology, recreation and education

Abstract: Much has been achieved in Australia since the release of the Hilmer (Hilmer et al. 1993) report in 1993 and the ensuing mircoeconomic reform agenda. Some would argue this is the reason for Australia's resilient economic peformance in the face of the global economic downturn. However, our economic systems are not disconnected from our ecological, political, recreational or educational systems. Explaining current inefficiencies and inequities in the disposal of waste water in our society requires a transdisciplinary approach, one that considers all these disciplines and more. This paper provides a starting point for a more integrated approach, by considering the inequities and forgone opportunities, and the important role that education through awareness and physical experience brings to the decision table.