Approaches to environmental management at the Australian local government level: Initiatives and limitations

Factors Inhibiting Local Government Engagement in Environmental Sustainability: case studies from rural Australia

“…As Mercer and Jotkowitz (2000, p. 170) comment in reviewing Whittaker's (1997) research, 'what is clear is that ''the environment'' is very largely a stated policy priority for metropolitan rather than rural councils.' Despite this, Whitaker's (1997, p. 324) identification of barriers confirms the findings of previous work (Keen & Mercer 1993;Keen et al . 1994;Brown 1997) in highlighting the importance of a lack of finance, expertise, information and State and federal government support.…”

Local government response to the impacts of climate change: An evaluation of local climate adaptation plans

“…Despite this, their capacity to raise revenue has remained highly restricted, and local governments are reluctant to take on additional responsibilities that are not tied to adequate funding (Wild River, 2007). Therefore, it is not surprising that the barriers identified in this study, such as lack of resources and information, mirror those identified almost two decades ago in relation to natural resource management by local governments (Keen, Mercer, & Woodfull, 1994;Pini et al, 2007).…”

Climate change adaptation in the Alpine Shire of Australia: a decision process appraisal

“…Community consultation was undertaken in a way that was too formal to be effective and it is apparent that engagement of community experience in the early formulation of the problem may have alleviated malfunctions in the process as it evolved. Keen et al (1994) examined factors that may limit environmental activity at the local government level in Australia through an examination of Local Conservation Strategies in Victoria and found that unless the community is involved in a significant manner at the grassroots level the chances of success are limited. The experience of the Alpine Shire does seem to reflect Keen's more general conclusions.…”