Local Sustainability, Local Government and the State Drivers Participation Partnerships

Local governments and Agenda 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