Mirror Mirror on the Wall..............

I know what you're thinking, but at our Windows on the Future exhibit there are no magic mirrors where you can see who is the fairest in the land or crystal balls or magic amulets that divine what might be around the corner in your future. But what there is here is an opportunity to revisit the past and see possible futures for our environment. Both investigate and explore what consequences arise from development on and around two ecosystems that are many and varied across our country.

The first of these ecosystems is that of the pristine river. Although there are still river systems that have remained more or less untouched, there is a large percentage that are under threat and suffer from different degrees of stress from development and industry. In Exploring the Nardoo you can see what happens to a pristine river system, namely the Nardoo river, at different stages and degrees of industrial, commercial and recreational development.

But you can do so much more than just watch what happens. The really cool part is that it's totally interactive and heaps of fun. At every stage you can take water samples testing for acidity, temperature and all sorts of other measurements used to determine the health of a river. There are all the facts sheets included in the program as well three 'experts' on the river that will actually talk to you there right in front of you about any aspect you care to know about. How's that for service!! You'll find it so easy to use and navigate around. It's just so much fun and you will come away with loads more foresight about what is happening and what can happen to one of our most valuable resources, our rivers.

Another ecosystem that is just as important as our rivers is our Lakes and Wetlands. Investigating Lake Illuka looks more at the past and present activities around Lake Illuka and it's surrounding wetlands. It's a total and complete story of the lake with video presentations, newspaper articles and radio reports on the developments that have put stress on the lake and it's wildlife. It also details the actions that government bodies, industry, conservation organisations and individual people have taken to reduce or remove these stresses and preserve the lake and it's unique flora and fauna for the enjoyment of all.

Also part of the program is a wildlife viewing hut (very cute) that, when inside, allows you to have a look at all of the cool animals that use the lake for their home. You'll be surprised how many types and numbers of different birds, fish, insects and many other wildlife inhabit the lake. For this reason alone, the presevation of all of this wonderful diversity, is why we need to look after every one of our lakes and wetlands. You'll love Investigating Lake Illuka and once you have you'll know what can be done to achieve this.

So forget the magic mirrors, the crystal balls, building a time machine or knicking one from Dr. Evil, just come and visit us a here at Futureworld - "For all your 'future' needs!!"