local sustainability, local government and the state drivers participation partnerships
TRANSCRIPT
Local Sustainability, Local Government
and the State
Drivers Participation Partnerships
Local governments and Agenda 21
28.1 Because so many of the problems and solutions being addressed by Agenda 21 have their roots in local activities, the participation and cooperation of local authorities will be a determining factor in fulfilling its objectives. Local authorities construct, operate and maintain economic, social and environmental infrastructure, oversee planning processes, establish local environmental policies and regulations, and assist in implementing national and subnational environmental policies. As the level of governance closest to the people, they play a vital role in educating, mobilizing and responding to the public to promote sustainable development.
Local Agenda 21 Defined
Local Agenda 21 is “a participatory multisectoral process to achieve the goals of Agenda 21 at the local level through the preparation and implementation of a long-term strategic action plan that addresses priority local sustainability concerns”(ICLEI, no date).
Local Agenda 21 – Benefits
Meet statutory requirements Enhance participation and citizenship Improve intergovernmental relations Improve relations with community Plan for the long term Integrate and coordinate policies and practices Foster the exercise of leadership and initiative
Local Agenda 21 – What’s not happening?
Ongoing participation Meaningful, sustained and robust integration
– Within councils– Beyond environmental issues
Slippage back in to short-termism Inadequate resourcing Lack of continuity
– Turnover– Dispensibility– Training
Corporate drivers Sustainability training Leading by example Corporate sustainability policy
– Policy assessment for sustainability implications
Evaluation and monitoring: indicators Targets and goals Rules, standing orders, financial
regulations Management structures
Sustainability training
Utilize existing training frameworks to incorporate improved sustainability performance– Marrickville Council
Leading from the top
Example from senior management– promote new initiatives– encourage more sustainable practices– seriousness of Council’s intention
Corporate Sustainability Policy
Policy integration All pulling together Evaluation of Council operations Assessment of budget impacts Fulfillment of targets
Targets and goals Drive up performance Clearly defined Deadlines set Responsible bodies determined Adequate resourcing Compliance managed Role for council champions
Rules, Standing Orders, Financial Regulations
Statutory duties of care?
Management structures
Rules, standing orders, financial regulation
Monitor operational effectiveness Inform policy modifications Audits
Partnerships Characteristic of LA21 Implement sustainability Build social capital and trust South Australian example - Inter-Council ESD agenda Professional LA21 officer Combined council and community
committees Results