“The beast doesn't stop”: the resource boom and changes in the social space of the Darling Downs

Abstract

A resources boom and the incursion of large scale coal mining and coal seam gas projects has precipitated environmental conflicts and other social struggles in traditionally agricultural communities of the Darling Downs. These relate to control of economic resources, cultural practices and, more generally, regional identity. This paper examines the social space where these struggles are taking place using sociologist Pierre Bourdieu's analytical concepts. Data was collected through interviews and photographs in two local government areas of the region – Toowoomba and Western Downs – using changes to physical landscape as an indicator of changing relationships in social space.

With the advent of the new industry, agricultural communities are experiencing the pervasive presence of the resources industry and a systematic loss of control of resources. This prompts a struggle as they try to maintain their traditionally dominant power position.

Keywords:

• mining
• coal seam gas
• social space
• power relations
• agriculture

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to other members of the research team who participated in the research design and field work: Thomas Baumgartl, Sue Vink, Daniel Rodriguez and Jim Cavaye. Other colleagues who gave valuable feedback on the ideas are Will Rifkin, Naomi Smith-Devetak, Lisa Kelly and Vikki Uhlmann. Vikki Uhlmann and Kylie May were the photographers. Finally, thanks to the reviewers for further guidance on improving the manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

The study had clearance no. 2012000410 from the University of Queensland's Behavioural and Social Sciences Ethical Review Committee and was funded by a UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund grant [2011001648].