Burnett Mary: Socio-economic vulnerability assessment of the horticultural sector


In this case study, we present a socio-economic vulnerability assessment of the Burnett Mary horticultural sector. The horticultural sector is defined using three Australian Bureau of Statistics' classifications (Fruit & Tree Nut Growing, Mushroom & Vegetable Production, and Nursery & Floriculture Production). The potential vulnerability of the horticultural sector is assessed using five factors known to shape socio-economic vulnerability: a) percentage of the labour force employed in agriculture; b) geographic remoteness; c) socio-economic advantage/disadvantage; d) economic diversity; and e) age. Each factor is considered one line of evidence. Areas in which multiple lines of evidence intersect suggest higher potential vulnerability than areas in which fewer lines intersect. Areas of potential high vulnerability are then compared to the areas that are characterised by high reliance upon the horticultural sector. Reliance upon the horticultural sector is indicated by: a) percentage of the gross value of horticultural commodities produced; and b) percentage of the labour force employed in horticulture. The full assessment is presented in the commentary document. The brochure presents a profile of the Burnett Mary horticultural sector. Individual map documents are also provided.


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Detailed Descriptions
Case Study
160499 - Human Geography not elsewhere classified , 160305 - Population Trends and Policies , 050205 - Environmental Management, 050209 - Natural Resource Management
Geographic and Temporal Extents
Burnett Mary
Start Start text End End text
Attributions and Constraints
Attribution (CC BY)
University of the Sunshine Coast
Erin F Smith; Scott Lieske; Noni Keys; Timothy F Smith
Smith, E., Keys, N., Lieske, S. & Smith, T. (2014) Socio-economic Vulnerability Assessment of the Burnett-Mary Horticultural Sector, prepared as part of the East Coast NRM Cluster, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia.
Timothy F Smith, Sustainability Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC. Email: tsmith5@usc.edu.au