Our focus in Australia appears to concentrate predominantly on the economy and potential changes in government. Meanwhile we have just experienced the ‘Angry Summer’ a prelude to what may lay in store for our future and demonstrated that tourism needs to do much more to prevent and be prepared for bush fires. However, tourism providers and communities appear to be either in denial, have other priorities or simply cannot afford to take steps to protect themselves and their visitors.

Changing behaviour through fear:notes from a tourist accommodation provider in Catastrophic Fire Risk Australia.

Research confirms that individuals who have pro-environmental values also hold a strong connectivity to nature and are frequently positive thinkers. Therefore to stimulate society change to a better world, methods need to be found to build connectivity to nature which in turn can influence pro-environmental social practice and behaviour.

Part of a programme to encourage greater destination sustainability, devised by the Interntional for Responsible Turism-Australia includes  a one-day workshop will be held on Thursday 30 August 2012 in Molong, hosted by Central NSW Tourism and funded by Destination NSW through the 2011/12 Regional Product Development Program.