Divergent Regional Trajectories in Australia's Tropical Savannas: Indicators of a Multifunctional Rural Transition

As elsewhere in affluent, western nations, Australia's tropical savanna zone is experiencing a complex transition towards multifunctional occupance in which emerging consumption, protection and Indigenous values are contesting the former dominance of production values, tied to extensive pastoral occupance and agricultural development projects. This transition is contributing to increased complexity and diversity within and between regions. Divergent regional functional trajectories, evident over the three decades from 1976 to 2006, can be identified and depicted within the triangular relativities between production, consumption and protection values. Core pastoral regions have experienced discernible, if variable, functional trajectories while retaining a modified productivist orientation. In marginal, ‘frontier’ regions limited scope for capital accumulation has created an expansive space for both market and non‐market interests and ideologies to propel functional transitions towards more complex, contested occupance modes. Lack of success in pursuit of productivist goals enhances capability in satisfying emerging national aspirations in recognising Indigenous land rights, in preserving unique biota and valued semi‐natural landscapes, in fostering sustainable resource use and in promoting distinctive styles of tourism and recreation. The Darwin region has experienced a transition towards urban amenity occupance shaped by consumption and protection values. Tenure changes recognising Aboriginal ownership in the Arnhem region have facilitated regionwide self‐managed Indigenous occupance. Divergent regional functional trajectories are starkly revealed in a comparison of driving forces, decision processes and functional trajectories between the Barkly Tableland and the adjoining Gulf Country.