| Community groups, industry, local and state government were involved in identifying the region’s priority issues and developing actions to address these.
The stages of engagement were as follows: - Introduction of NRM process to the community: March 2003–July 2003.
- Consultation to develop Discussion Papers: July 2003–November 2003.
- Consultation to obtain feedback on Discussion Papers: December 2003–March 2004.
- Consultation workshops for Draft Strategy development: April 2004–June 2004.
- Consultation to obtain feedback on the Draft Strategy: July 2004–October 2004.
- Finalisation of Regional Strategy: November 2004–March 2005.
- Implementation and review of Regional Strategy: post-March 2005.
The Cradle Coast NRM Committee has consulted widely with the community and key stakeholders during the preparation of the Strategy. Seven facilitators have also been working with the community to build partnerships and involvement in the Strategy. Facilitators have attended field days such as Agfest, and organised and delivered briefings and workshops to a range of organisations. As far as practicable, contact with the community was face-to-face.
Stage 1.
Two open public forums were held to introduce the NRM process and to establish the NRM Committee.
Stage 2
8 workshops were held with 36 organisations and 22 individuals to assist with developing 8 Discussion Papers.
Stage 3
15 information sessions were organized and delivered to the general public in all municipalities to explain the Discussion Papers, with 123 people in total attending. In addition, numerous forums were delivered to key stakeholders to introduce the Discussion Papers. A total of 16 Local Government forums were held to ensure that the 132 elected representatives, Council managers and officers with the nine Local Governments in the Region could contribute to the Strategy. A total of 45 forums were held with 106 people representing 51 business and industry organisations. Another 7 forums were held with 35 people representing 6 community/conservation organisations. Another 15 forums were held with 85 people representing 11 ‘care’ groups. In addition, 13 individuals were briefed through one-to-one meetings.
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Feedback on the Discussion Papers was provided by 81 organisations and individuals, in the form of written submissions. Further feedback was gathered from the community at 52 meetings, with 366 individuals from 39 organisations.
Stage 4
3 workshops were held with 41 individuals representing
9 organisations to set Resource Condition Targets. Workshops were also held with 1 organisation and 9 councils to enhance actions and issues.
Stage 5
18 Draft Strategy feedback workshops and meetings were held with 149 people from 22 Local Government, industry, research and community groups. These events were held to ensure that processes for commenting on the draft were understood by all stakeholders. Comments on the Draft Strategy were received from 116 individuals and organisations. Over 35 quick surveys were also returned. Also, 94 draft strategy feedback briefings and updates were held with 508 people from 94 local government, industry, community and Aboriginal organisations and individuals to allow for direct
response to the Draft Strategy.
The committee considered all submissions and records of the committee’s response will be held for public viewing at Cradle Coast NRM, after the release of the Final NRM Strategy.
There was a six-week period for public comment and consultation after the release of the draft strategy. This included further local workshops and engaging with key stakeholders The targets proposed in the Draft Strategy were refined and developed by the NRM Committee in response to community feedback. The NRM Committee worked to ensure that the Management Action Packages and all the targets are properly linked to each other.
At the end of the consultation period, the Strategy was finalised in light of community feedback and submitted for accreditation. Substantial changes were made to the draft version of the Strategy. A separate document detailing the processes used for consideration of the comments received on the draft Strategy is available from Cradle Coast NRM. |
