by jonnyd76
If you want brutal battles fighting over resources your first idea would be best. Extra coins (especially in the first few games) are pretty hotly contested over.I think the recommendation that your other players be involved in the process will make for an overall more fun environment. We've involved the other players on all the boards I've played on and made group decisions about the initial coin placement. None have been "bad".
As for nerfing Australia, without getting into spoilers it is very possible that it will be nerfed immediately out of the gate. There are initial scar cards that can help with this. Looking at the winner's options, I can say that by game 3 in three separate boards of this that Australia has received the (-1) sticker as well to discourage that style of play.
I guess my point is... don't worry so much about it as things will happen that will balance out the game anyway. Just take a shot at it and enjoy :)