Palaeolimnological records can be powerfully combined with documentary data to explain the impact of modern industry and agriculture on lake systems and their catchments. Such an approach is highly appropriate in Australia since modern society was imposed on a continent until recently populated solely by hunter-gatherers and because there is a wealth of historical data to draw upon. Confounding factors such as the influence of climate change, depopulation of the indigenous community and non-linear responses to human impact must be considered in analysis of the relative importance of various land use changes upon lake pollution.