Drought, flood and fire in Tasmania 1900-1960's: An environmental history approach

An environmental history approach is adopted to explore the history of drought, flood and bushfire in Tasmania for the period 1900-1960s. Such an approach focuses on the interaction between man, environment and climatic variables and how these changed over time. It also recognises that cultural constructs, such as perceptions, images and attitudes, influence the way in which people interact with nature and prepare for, or respond to, climatic risks. It is argued that the enduring image of Tasmania as a "Little England" downplayed the potential risks of drought, floods and bushfire in this era, and contributed to a state of unpreparedness in government and the general population. This became evident in the significant events of the 1929 floods in Launceston, the drought of 1967-1968 and the 'Black Tuesday'bushfires of February 1967. These three events are discussed in more detail.