Community Sustainability and Social Justice

S09 1

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Abstract

Government policies in Australia rely heavily on local communities developing their social capital networks to solve complex social, economic and environmental problems. This study explored a regional community’s experiences with promoting social, environmental and economic strategies to facilitate community development within the sustainability paradigm. Applying multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks this study contributes a contextual view of a complex adaptive system. It is argued that the power differentials in governance relations and inclusivity of stake-holders in developing community visions is overlooked by decision makers. Furthermore that locational disadvantage and political isolation are also key considerations.