VCE Geography Yarra Valley: A Rural Environment

By Jordan Tzemis 11L

History of the Yarra Valley 1. Figure 9.6 show Yarra Glen in 1962, the land then had a small amount of residential land use to the north of the Yarra river. In 1962 services such as commercial land use would have been limited. In contrast the residential development has boomed in a dispersed distribution from 1962 to 2007. Figure 9.7 shows a huge growth in residential land use to the north of the Yarra River. Other land use such as commercial and recreational have also been built. A clear example of this is the recreational land use construction of the Yarra Valley Race Course.

2. In the 1830s change in what is at present is recognized as the Yarra Ranges Shire began when pastoralists took up land along the Yarra River near the present-day towns of Coldstream and Yering. In 1838 vines were first planted in the area leading to the rapid development of the viticulture industry in the 1860s and 1870s. In the 1890s there was a decline in grape production and expansion of other agricultural activities. Declining soil fertility coupled with a move in Australia towards fortified wine production resulted in the end of the regions wine production in 1921. The depression together with adverse environmental conditions resulted in the conversion of all vineyards to pasture by 1937. The modern renaissance of the boutique wine industry began mid-1960s. During 1980s many large-scale wine producers became established in the area. By the end of the 20th century the wine industry boomed causing huge amounts of money having been poured in the region. 3. Key factors of contributing to the wine industry: The decline in wine industry in 1930s was the depression and adverse environmental conditions. The rehabilitation of the wine industry in the 1980s was the establishment of largescale wine companies in the area. The boom in the wine industry in the 1980s was massive amount of money invested in the wineries and other services in the area. Change and Human Activities

1. There has been a gradual increase of population within the area because of a number of reasons. The strong spatial association of people moving to rural areas seeking country

2. 3.

4.

5.

6.

lifestyle and affordable homes while still being able to commute to the city for work is what the Yarra Valley provides and the increase is due to urban growth occurring in the Yarra Valley. As more and more facilities and housing is built more people become attracted to this environment. An example of a strong spatial association of people moving to a rural environment is to seek affordable housing while being close to the city. The main conflict that has developed within this community is that locals see there quiet lives becoming threatened by the arrival of townies from Melbourne, with their demands for urban facilities. The government has responded by putting in a strategic plan, in which Strong , Healthy and Connected Communities the program was not only focussed on social behaviour but sustainable land use practises so that finite natural resources can be managed for future generations. Three main problems identified from continued growth are: Valuable farm land being lost to housing The local people feel that they must compromise their legitimate right to be on the land and farm it without restricting their activities. Local farmers are concerned that the lifestyle farmers are letting their land become degraded as their level of knowledge and rural land practices often is limited. The predicted general trend in the population characteristics from 2006 to 2031 is that population will increase from roughly just below 150,000 to 160,000 people in 2031. This will be due to further housing development and facilities being built attracting urban buyers to live in rural Yarra Ranges Shire.

Effect of fires on the region 1. After another winter of lower than average rainfall, with summer heatwave with temperatures in the 30s for many days, 7 Feb 2009 was the begging in of the black Saturday bushfires. The Fires effected many peoples lives killing 173 of the residents in the area and over 2000 homes destroyed, plus loss of farm infrastructure and property, including stock and crops both within Yarra Valley at Steels Creek, Dixon Creek and Chum creek. Only 3 per cent of total area under vines was affected. The grapes in their area were tainted by smoke and were not fit to be turned into wine. Effects of Phylloxera on vines 1. Phylloxera is a small aphid-like insect that lives and feeds on the roots of grapevines. The pest is regarded as the worlds worst grapevine pest, sucks the nutrients from the roots and slowly starves the vine. Further investigation- use the internet to find out more. Must be sourced 1. There is a strong association between the Yarra valley and bushfires because of the flora that flourishes in the Yarra valley is suitable for bushfires to occur. 2. http://cfaonline.cfa.vic.gov.au/mycfa/Show?pageId=siteAssessment The CFA has a Home Bushfire Advice Service that offers personalized, tailored advice delivered at your property by trained Fire Safety Officers for free.

The site lists that you find out the following: Your level of bushfire risk
Fire hazards on your property and how to manage them How to develop a Bushfire Survival Plan so you family knows what to do on high risk fire days.

It is possible that the region will face this problem again in the future, but the Yarra Valley community will be more prepared in stopping the bushfire from spreading because of their experience with bushfires.

Stall holders & Attractions 1. The stall holders will be faced with pest such As phylloxera witch suck nutrients from the grapevines as well as climate factors and drought. 2. The benefits from being a part of the monthly markets is gaining exposure for the produce and making sustainable profit. 3. Farmers find it hard to keep a steady income when produce is out of seasoning http://www.visityarravalley.com.au/pages/things-to-do-and-see/ List of Yarra valley attractions: Healesville Sanctuary, Australia's leading Wildlife Park it is nestled in the foothills of the Yarra Valley

Hurstbridge Farmers Market/Marysville Farmers Market/Yarra Valley Farmers' Market

Health and day spas to indulge in The Valley Painters - Date: 5 October - 30 November Venue: Brumfield Winery, 539 Queens Rd SEVILLE Walks around beautiful wineries People visit the Yarra valley because of the many activities that can be enjoyed there. This website list the ongoing activities that can be experienced

http://www.visityarravalley.com.au/pages/things-to-do-and-see/ Socioeconomics groups that would be attracted to the Yarra valley are farmers and realestate business looking to sell homes in the area. The activity that grabs my attention is the
Healesville Sanctuary it looks like are amazing place to see wild-life close up. Real Estate in the Region http://www.realestate.com.au/buy

Cost- $415,000 General Features Property Type:House Bedrooms:3

Bathrooms:1 Land Size:791 m (approx)

cost-$935,000
General Features Property Type:House Bedrooms:4 Bathrooms:2 Land Size:2.43ha (6.00 acres) (approx)

1. People who enjoy living in rural areas would enjoy living in the Yarra Valley region. The negatives living in rural environments is there is less Job opportunities available then say in urban environments. The positives in living in a rural environment are, less stressed environment and beautiful scenery. Doncaster properties

cost - $490,000

General Features
Property Type:House Bedrooms:3 Bathrooms:2

Cost -790,000-$850,000
General Features Property Type:House Bedrooms:4 Bathrooms:2 Land Size:634 m (approx)

2.

People who prefer to live in suburban communities. A negative aspect in living in a

suburban community can be if you work in the city you have to deal with the congested traffic as you go to work. A Positive aspect in living in a suburban community is that most suburban homes have room for both front and back gardens.
Comparison: The land space in Doncaster seems to be more expensive then in the Yarra Glen; the Doncaster advertisement is more focused on the house whilst the Yarra Glen is more focused on the space available. I would prefer to live in Doncaster because there is ongoing development in the area and if I was going to sell my home the price would be greater than the original buying price in the next 5-10 years.