Part 7/9:
The community’s message is clear: they want to be treated with fairness and respect, not as obstacles to environmental goals but as vital contributors to Australia’s economy and culture. Jones highlights that the division caused by these projects threatens social cohesion among landowners and local residents. She warns that “slick businesspeople” representing foreign companies are destroying the regional fabric, risking not just environmental harm but also the community’s mental health and sense of identity.