Economic development is more than cutting trees and digging holes. An economy based only on resources is born to die. Minerals are finite, forests are threatened by climate change and the industry is subject to frequent trade restrictions. Commodity prices fluctuate, technology reduces employment, distance drives up cost, a scattered population stretches services and taxes are high. Important decisions about business, labour, media, education, investment and politics are usually made elsewhere.
Sustainability requires innovation, collaboration, education, courage and determination.
That's what this distance education course is about: understanding our circumstances and learning how to take this responsibility for our future.
