Takeback: planning for change in Aurukun

Abstract

This report is the result of an investigation into community development planning capacities in Aurukun. It discusses how policies put in place by past governments may have lead to the current situation in Aurukun. This is particularly so with reference to the history of the establishment of the Aurukun Shire Council and its model of operation. The dense urbanisation of the town area and factors leading to its continuing growth are discussed along with aboriginal resistance to this development and their retreat into alienated opposition. Further, several issues that constrain Aboriginal control and participation are presented. Recommendations, designed to open up a closed and alienating system of government and to offer people a greater choice in residence are offered. Both sets of reforms will allow the people of Aurukun to take control of their own lives.