Assignment - Structured Essay

This assignment is relevant to the following course objectives:

Converse proficiently upon general knowledge and current affairs of the day Appreciate the history of technology and associated benefits to human society Understand the basic concepts behind environmental sustainability Understand the basic concepts behind environmental impact assessment Understand the role of politics, politicians, power and government (Appreciate the relevance of social structures and values) # (Suggest strategies for working effectively in a multi-cultural environments) # (Appreciate the basic philosophies behind modern engineering management) #

# not formally covered in the course until later than week 4, but the assignment does marginally touch on these areas

Assignment Task - Sugar Production along Australia's North-East Coastal Fringe

Sugar production has been a major industry for Australia since the late 1800s. However, the industry has times where it suffers from low sugar price. Maintaining productivity (and fighting pests and diseases), upon generally poor quality sub-tropical soils can also be an issue. The industry, alongside several other industries of course, is also implicated in terms of environmental impacts on Australia's Great Barrier Reef lagoon region.

Write a structured essay (i.e. structured with a main title, author (your) name, a few subtitles and at least six references (do not include the course study materials). The title of your structured essay is to be:- The Future of Sugar Production, along Australia's North-East Coastal Fringe'.

i) Introduction/background - briefly describe the sugar industry in Australia, and the value of this enterprise to the Australian economy. Also describe the relevant social and environmental impacts of this business activity (-300 words).

ii) Expression of a likely viewpoint on the concept of a future managed downturn (or complete cessation) of sugar production, from someone whose livelihood might be severely affected by loss of the industry. This could be someone directly employed within the industry, or someone in a secondary flow-on industry (-300 words)

iii) Expression of a likely viewpoint, from a spokesperson from the Queensland Sugar Industry (-300 words)

iv) Expression of a likely viewpoint from a Queensland Government politician, from any registered political party. (-300 words)

v) Conclusion/overview/recommendations (-300 words)

In points ii), iii) and iv) you may write in first or third person. Write for a hypothetical, not a real person. In your research, demonstrate that you have considered and been guided by the course learning objectives (to found on page 12 of the course introduction booklet).