Hawkesbury-Nepean: Socio-economic vulnerability of the horticultural sector


In this case study, we present a socio-economic vulnerability assessment of the Hawkesbury-Nepean 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 high potential 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 Hawkesbury-Nepean horticultural sector. Individual map documents are provided. To aid interpretation of the maps, a map of the reserves located within the Hawkesbury-Nepean natural resource management region is also provided.


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Detailed Descriptions
Case Study
050205 - Environmental Management, 160305 - Population Trends and Policies , 160499 - Human Geography not elsewhere classified , 050209 - Natural Resource Management
Geographic and Temporal Extents
Hawkesbury-Nepean
Start Start text End End text
Attributions and Constraints
Attribution (CC BY)
University of the Sunshine Coast
Erin F Smith; Noni Keys; Scott Lieske; Timothy F Smith
Smith, E., Keys, N., Lieske, S. & Smith, T. (2014) Socio-economic Vulnerability Assessment of the Hawkesbury-Nepean 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
2015/03/10