Working with Local Government: Australian discussion paper

This 2011 study was based on UK initiatives and their relationship with their local authority. Written for an Australian audience, it still has relevance whereever a Transition Initiative wants some ideas and information about how best to work with their local authority.

This discussion paper sets out to explore if any relationship or governance boundaries are shifting between English Local Authorities and nationally networked community based movements. It uses the Transition Network as the case study as, whilst this is now a global movement, its focus is on local action by local people.

It considers what if any lessons can be learnt by Australian local governments already involved with, or considering, supporting their communities to be Transition Initiatives, and what lessons can be learned for Australian local governments more generally with regard to applying principles of community governance.

This paper seeks to contribute insights gained from the research that may help address the obstacles that some councils and Transition Initiatives face in dealing with issues of governance that in turn may then assist them in meeting some of their mutual goals around resilience, reducing carbon emissions and boosting local economic activity. 

Thanks to Hazel for a fine piece of work.