VCE Outdoor & Environmental Studies Unit 4 the decision-making processes followed by land managers and/or governments or their agencies relating to conflicting interests over the use of outdoor environments

Processes followed in making decisions over use of natural environments When conflicts occur over the use of natural environments, a decision must be made to resolve the conflict and decide on the use The government makes decisions over the use of public land (National Parks) and they establish statutory authorities (Parks Victoria) to implement the decisions Governments and Statutory Authorities are NOT interest groups, they are decision makers The ideal resolution to any conflict is a compromise between two opposing interest groups where all groups are heard and can live with the decision – this often does not happen Some processes are more effective than others at resolving conflict

4.2.3 – Processes followed in making decisions over use of natural environments Key Concepts When conflict occurs over the use of natural environments, interest groups and decision makers become involved in a process to resolve the situation A range of processes may be utilised to resolve conflict over the use of natural environments Some processes are more effective than others in resolving conflict There are six (6) processes involved in resolving conflict. 1. Formation of a consultative group 2. Legislation 3. Management plans 4. Litigation 5. police Action 6. Referendum

4.2.3 – Processes followed in making decisions over use of natural environments Consultative Groups Gather information and data and make recommendations Process Explanation Advantages Disadvantages Consultative Group Government forms group of experts and representatives from all interest groups to recommend appropriate use All group’s views are heard and valued Promotes compromise and a possible win/win situation Time consuming Expensive May result in no agreement at all Requires skilled and respected mediator Example – Victorian Environment Assessment Council VEAC (2001) The role of the Council is to conduct investigations that are requested by the Victorian Government relating to the protection and ecologically sustainable management of the environment and natural resources of public land

Process Explanation Advantages Disadvantages Adversarial is a legal system where two advocates represent their parties' positions before an impartial person or group of people, usually a jury or judge, who attempt to determine the truth of the case Process Explanation Advantages Disadvantages Legislation - Create new laws Creation of a new law that bans one use and promotes another Clear decision is made Quick decision avoiding a drawn out dispute One interest group gets what they want while the other doesn’t May strengthen the fight against the law promoting further conflict A win/loose situation Example – ALPINE grazing is a breach of federal law and won't continue in Victoria's Alpine National Park Federal government’s creation of new laws in 1986 putting all world heritage areas under the control of the federal government, allowing it to halt damning of the Franklin River

Processes followed in making decisions over use of natural environments Adversarial - the regulations established become same status as Law Process Explanation Advantages Disadvantages Management Plans Authorities create guidelines for natural environments to prevent conflict clearly outlines how natural environments can be used Makes conflict resolution clearer ensures land is used in a sustainable way by all users can restrict hw people use the natural environment may restrict access to pristine natural environments Example – All Victorian National Parks have a management plan in place, which looks at zoning p245

Processes followed in making decisions over use of natural environments Adversarial Process Explanation Advantages Disadvantages Litigation - Use of court system The conduct of a law suit Use of court system to clarify existing laws regarding the legal and appropriate use of an environment Often used when one law contradicts another Results in clear decision Court process can take a long time Expensive After decision made government can change laws creating more uncertainty A win/loose situation Example – The Franklin River issue was presented to the High Court because the Federal Government attempted to over rule the State Government.

Processes followed in making decisions over use of natural environments Consultative Process Explanation Advantages Disadvantages Referendum Vote by all registered voters in Australia on whether or not the people accept or reject a proposed change to the constitution Democratic process where everyone has their say Very expensive Outcomes can be manipulated through media groups with lots of money Example – A Referendum was used in the Franklin River campaign, however it was assembled quite poorly by not giving people a legitimate say in the matter.

4.2.3 – Processes followed in making decisions over use of natural environments Summary The most effective process for resolving conflict and making decision over the use of natural environments are CONSULTATIVE: Consultative group Direct negotiation Referendum The key advantages of consultative processes are: All group’s views are heard and valued Attempts to find a solution/ compromise Promotes compromise and a possible win/win situation The key disadvantages of consultative processes are: Time consuming Expensive Requires skilled and respected mediator

4.2.3 – Processes followed in making decisions over use of natural environments Summary The quickest and most decisive processes for resolving conflict and making decision over the use of natural environments are ADVERSARIAL: Litigation Legislation The key advantages of consultative processes are: Clear decision Quick decision The key disadvantages of consultative processes are: Only one group gets what it wants - win/loose outcome May strengthen fight against decision