Australian local government attempts to deliver beneficial environmental outcomes

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a national project investigating Australian local government (LG) attempts to deliver beneficial environmental outcomes. It briefly describes the extensive environmental planning, management and protection roles played by Australian LGs. It notes that these roles are poorly documented within the academic literature, and makes a case for fundamental research to better understand LGs and their work from the inside. It describes this project's use of grounded theory methods in gathering and analysing 34 case studies of Australian LG environmental initiatives. The inside perspectives represented by the papers show that Australian LG environmental work: • extends beyond its statutory requirements; • is novel and creative; • endures by balancing ecological, social and economic values; • demonstrates different patterns depending on its planning, management or protection focus; and • usually involves environmental strategists with long-term, passionate commitments to local environmental values.