Building relationships towards sustainable economic development in the Fitzroy River catchment
Building relationships towards sustainable economic development in the Fitzroy River catchment Conference Proceedings
Australian Rangeland Society 19th Biennial Conference: Transition to Transformation
- Author(s): Greg Mackay
- Published: 2017
- Publisher: Australian Rangeland Society
Abstract: Development is not a new word for the Fitzroy Catchment in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. However, it is currently the focus of an enormous level of interest and investment driven primarily by the State and Federal Governments development papers, with significant diversity and different agendas with respect to pastoral, environmental and indigenous groups. Rangelands NRM is facilitating opportunities to make the most from these initiatives and ensure the programs follow a sustainable pathway that is grounded in best practice environmental stewardship, is respectful and inclusive with community, and pursues sustainable and appropriate economic developments. History has demonstrated that significant investment alone will not bring about sustainable change to the region. Only through an inclusive, triple-bottom-line approach will we see lasting positive change that is driven and supported by community. Our approach is to use a networking ®problem solving ®coordinated program to assist stakeholders along a journey. We bring an openness to discuss the issues, without having the answers or driving the direction of discussions. Together, the group is developing a framework and facilitating the creation of a body who can navigate environment, social and economic needs. We are using a ‘collective impact’ strategy to seek shared commitment through understanding of a collective goal between participating stakeholders. This encourages the pooling of resources, tasks and objectives across multiple stakeholders to change the disposition of a complex system towards resilient, sustainable and hopefully flourishing outcomes.
- Urls: https://www.austrangesoc.com.au/data/ARSC2017/2017_Conference_Papers/Mackay_Paper_39.pdf
- Publisher Location: Port Augusta
- Keywords: catchment management, indigenous livelihoods, rangeland communities, stewardship, sustainable livelihoods, collaboration