Lake Eyre Basin Rivers 126 The future Ultimately, we rely on the rivers, mostly coming from Queensland, to deliver us a flood and Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre with water. One thing is certain: if the flow of water stopped or there was even less water coming, there would be a danger that it would not reach Lake Eyre. This would devastate our business. It would also affect employment in all local South Australian towns, including Port Augusta, Coober Pedy, Marree and Oodnadatta, as well as Queensland communities. Australians want to learn and understand more of their land and the outback is a magnet for this. Lake Eyre in flood brings the wonder of our natural environment to the Australian general public. And it improves our economy enormously, and most of all it is sustainable. We can continue to expand our business and the opportunity for Australians and international visitors to come and see the outback and its wonders. Encouragingly, more and more Australians are embracing and understanding the outback and the majesty of Kati Thanda- Lake Eyre. We in the hospitality and tourism industry will continue to grow and improve our ability to cater for the needs of this ever expanding tourism market. Most importantly, we are not affecting the rivers and the lake. Any development upstream of the water resources by irrigation or mining will have a devastating impact on our livelihood. I passionately believe that we can look after this place and also make a living, contributing not only to long-term environmental but also to economic sustainability. References Lockyer P (2012) Lake Eyre – A Journey through the Heart of the Continent. Harper Collins, Australia. Schmiechen J (2004) Lake Eyre Basin Heritage Tourism – Future Directions. Lake Eyre Basin Coordinating Group, Adelaide, http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/59515/20140605-1214/www. lakeeyrebasin.org.au/archive/media/future_directions.pdf.