1. Decision making processes over the use of outdoor environments.
4.2.3
Decision making processes over the use of outdoor environments.

2. From the study guide
Evaluate decision-making processes relating to conflicts over the use of outdoor environments.
Be able to describe some decision making processes appropriate in different situations.
Know about the VEAC and how it works.

3. Forming a consultative group
A consultative group can be formed with representatives from all interest groups and also individuals with specialised knowledge of the issue
E.g. The VEAC or consulting a local indigenous community in relation to developing land.

4. Advantages: Can be effective as all groups views are heard, accurate information can be gathered, and it promotes the possibility for compromise between groups (win-win) situation.
Disadvantages: May be time consuming and expensive, no real agreement may be found. Requires skilled mediator (VEAC)

5. The veaC
The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council was established under the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Act The Council is made up of five members including a Chairperson.
The members are collectively required to have a range of experience, skills and knowledge in a number of areas related to management of public land and natural resources.
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.
The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) replaces the Environment Conservation Council (ECC) which in turn replaced the Land Conservation Council (LCC).

7. Direct negotiation
The government bargains or negotiates directly with an interest group or between two interest groups.
E.g. State government’s direct negotiation with local commercial fishers on the formation of marine parks in Victoria.

8. Advantages: All groups views are heard and attempts to find a solution/compromise, can produce a definite outcome.
Disadvantages: Government has final say - which can be biased, requires skilled and respected facilitator.

9. Legislation (creation of laws)
Laws may be created to allow something to take place or to prevent something from occurring.
E.g. The federal government putting new laws in place in that put all heritage sites under the control of the federal government (Franklin River).

10. Advantages: Quick and clear decision is made.
Disadvantages: A win-lose situation, losing side may remain opposed leading to further conflict.

11. Litigation (use of the court system)
This process is used when laws exist related to the conflict and need some clarification or interpretation. When two laws contradict one another, litigation is required.
E.g. Law being used to declare Your Water, Your Say - bankrupt in order to silence them.

12. Advantages: Results in a clear decision.
Disadvantages: Court processes can be expensive and time consuming, government can change laws after a decision has been made, win-lose situation.

13. This process is generally used for larger scale decision making – or more usually, conflicts can become part of a larger process. For example, a political party may use a conflict as a part of their political campaign, to help gain the votes of a particular group of voters.
E.g. Referendum in 1981 for the Tasmanian public on whether the Franklin Dam should be built.
Referendum

14. Advantages: Democratic process where everyone has their say, clear decisions can be made.
Disadvantages: Very expensive process where media can manipulate outcomes, only suitable for large scale conflicts.

15. police action
Police action is not a decision making process, it is used once a decision has been made, to uphold the law.
Although a law may have been created, this does not mean that interest groups will stop campaigning.

16. Advantages: Ensures that legislation is up-held.
Disadvantages: Often expensive, creates physical confrontation and can lead to injury.

17. The Franklin River Campaign
Case Study One
The Franklin River Campaign

18. Processes
State referendum (Tas Gov’t), public decide on dam construction. 33% of voters wrote ‘NO DAM’ across their ballot paper.
Legislation (Tas Gov’t), dam construction can legally commence.
Police action (Tas Gov’t) used police action to enforce law, leading to over 1400 arrests.

19. Federal Gov’t nominates South West Tasmania for World Heritage Area listing.
Bob Hawk wins election, passes Bill (Properties Conservation) to control World Heritage Areas, Tas gov’t continues work regardless (ignored ruling).
Legislation (Federal Gov’t), High Court rules federal gov’t has total control of World Heritage Areas.

20. WONTHAGGI DESALINATION PLANT
CASE STUDY TWO
WONTHAGGI DESALINATION PLANT

21. Processes
Our Water, Our Future policy released (Vic Gov’t) including desalination plant near Wonthaggi.
New Premier, John Brumby, orders Environmental Effects Statement (EES) to investigate the potential impact of desalination plant.
Compulsory acquisition of residents land.
Use of court system, YWYS vs Vic Gov’t, based on lack of environmental study and reporting

22. Police Action, protesters removed from desalination site under trespass laws.
EES released in October.
Litigation, Vic Gov’t uses corporate law to cease YWYS operation until debt is paid. YWYS disbands as now bankrupt.
Construction begins.