Factors that shape places: Shoalhaven river

Scope

Using the settlement around the lower Shoalhaven River, this learning sequence looks at  how the natural environment, particularly landform and climate, influence where and how people live. Throughout history people have made decisions about where to live based on the natural environment and how it supports human settlement. Significant factors include how the landforms and climate support the production of food and fibres, resulting in settlements in Australia in coastal areas compared with inland.

Inquiry process

Students will investigate the topic using the Geographical Inquiry Process which is guided by inquiry questions behind a definition of geography put forward by Charles F. Gritzner. It uses the inquiry questions of What is? Where is? Why there? and Why care?

• Where is the Shoalhaven River area?  
• What are the natural and human features of the Shoalhaven River area?
• Why is there settlement in the Shoalhaven River area? How has the natural environment influenced the settlement?
• Why care? How will the natural environment influence settlement in the Shoalhaven River area in the future?
• Defining Geography: What is Where, Why There, and Why Care?  by Charles F. Gritzner, Journal of Geography 101, No. 1 (January/February 2002), pp. 38-40. 

Virtual Fieldwork

This lesson sequence explores the geographical concepts of environment, interconnection and change through a rich series of aerial photos by Daryl Jones in the State Library of NSW collection. This resource provides the opportunity for detailed analysis of the geographical features of the area. The historical perspective is provided through a collection of photographs of the original settlement in the area: the Coolangatta Estate of David Berry, when the area was originally established as a dairy farming area.

Shoalhaven River area

The Shoalhaven River area, like many settlement areas along the east coast of NSW, was settled historically due to its floodplains which were rich in alluvial soils. These made themidealifor agriculture. The Illawarra Escarpment to the west influences the amount of rain experienced along the coast and provides regular rainfall able to support crops and dairy farming. The temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters also allows for agricultural industries to thrive and provide a comfortable climate for people to live. These factors, along with the lifestyle afforded by the rich natural environment such as the river and beaches, have ensured the population of the area continues to grow.

As people continue to come to the Shoalhaven River area, as tourists and as new residents, extra pressures are put on the natural environment. One of the main factors with the increasing population is urban development and where to expand the settlement. As the Illawarra Escarpment to the west and the ocean to the east provide geographical barriers to housing development, most housing is being built on the river flats, particularly in high areas of farming land where the land has already been cleared of vegetation and is not susceptible to the flooding.

Link to Stage 3 History The Australian Colonies

As an historical inquiry, students could investigate aspects of daily life of the colonial inhabitants of the Shoalhaven River area in the 1800s and the impact of settlement on local Aboriginal people and the environment. They could also investigate the role of Alexander Berry and his brother David Berry as significant individuals in shaping the colony.