Engaging communities for research on contentious issues
Engaging communities for research on contentious issues Conference Paper
16th Australian Rangeland Society Biennial Conference
- Author(s): Campbell, R.
- Published: 2010
- Publisher: Australian Rangeland Society
Abstract: In 2006, the Central West and Western Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) began a program of research in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW), landholders and other partners on the serious issue of invasive native scrub (INS, also known as woody weeds). Nine research projects were implemented with the support of research organisations. The research projects relied heavily on the support of landholders across the Cobar Peneplain. However, native vegetation management and INS have a long and turbulent history in parts of central west and western NSW. The INS research program faced barriers of distrust of government, community cynicism and lack of faith in research processes. Through open communication, transparent processes and a program of community engagement, the program has successfully engaged landholders to implement a series of research projects.