Environment In the Gloucester community the natural environment plays an important part affecting all aspects of our economy and quality of life. We have adjacent, very high value portions particularly in the Barrington Tops area. These act as reservoirs of carbon absorption, biodiversity, water catchment and distribution, recreation and so have far reaching economic and social significance. Climate change will stress and change this area and provide valuable research potential. The cost of fuel will curtail long distance travel and many more recreational visitors can be expected. This may be an economic advantage if managed properly. Already the negative effects of excessive drying on the combustability of the natural environment, together with the likelihood of increasing lightning activity lead to the warning that bushfires may be a more serious threat. As the species changes which are expected occur, we have an important source of research. However, if such areas are not understood or are inadequately managed there can be an unsatisfactory transfer of pests across the private-public land boundaries.