International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability
International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability 2 (2004) 43–54
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Developing Policy for Communities Managing Diffuse Source Pollution: A Case Study from Subtropical Catchments of NSW, Australia
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Alice Woodhead1, Wilfrid Legg2, and Roger Packham3
1Bureau of Rural Sciences, Agriculture Fishers and Forestry, Australia; 2Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, France; 3University of Western Sydney, Australia
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Abstract
Each individual and organisation differs in the way they perceive, define and act upon social, economic and environmental issues. One such issue is pollution of coastal waterways from acid sulphate soils in coastal wetlands in Australia. These soils, when oxidised, acidify water resulting in extensive destruction in the downstream ecosystem. While the impacts of the acidification are extensive and external agencies are demanding change, current policies do not reflect the complexity of the relationships between the stakeholders.
This paper analyses the effectiveness of current policies. How do we define and manage the change process? Drawing on results from two benchmarking surveys conducted in 1998 and 2002, this paper provides insights into why change is happening in three industry groups that are managing diffuse source pollution from acid sulphate soils. Findings indicated that stakeholders frequently did not identify with the government visions and were unaware of the regulations. High compliance with regulations was dependent upon best management practices and education strategies. We discuss how to develop policies to promote the change process with diverse stakeholder groups, and explore why stakeholders resist change. Such findings can have applicability to any organisation involved in the management of diffuse source pollution.
Keywords: sustainability indicators, participation, policy development, land use change, industry partnerships, benchmarking
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