Decision making process over the

use of Outdoor Environments

REFERS TO THE LAND MANAGERS AND

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES RELATING TO
CONFLICTING INTERESTS OVER THE USE OF
OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS
 How do we resolve the issues between groups
with conflicting interests?

The ideal resolution between conflicting groups is to

compromise between opposing groups.
Ensures all groups are heard and are happy with the decisions
made
More often than not, compromise is hard to
establish; groups find themselves having a decision
made by another process.
 Decision making processes

Consultative Group
Can be formed to consult interest groups with individuals with
specialised knowledge of the issue
Eg. Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC)
 VEAC

Consists of 5 people who have a range of experience,

skills and knowledge in a number of areas relating to
management of public land and natural resources
Role 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
What conflicts do you believe could require the
assistance of VEAC from what you have studied?
 Decision making process

Direct negotiation
Where the Government bargains or negotiates with an interest
group or between two groups
Eg. State governments direct negotiations with local
commercial fishers on the formation of marine national parks
 Decision making process

Referendum
Where a vote by all registered voters is conducted. The people
will either accept or reject a proposal.
Eg. 1981 Referendum for Tasmanian public to decide on the
construction of the Franklin River Dam.
 Decision making process

Litigation use of court system

Clarifies existing laws regarding the legal and appropriate use
of an environment
 Decision making process

Legislation Creation of new laws

Laws are created to allow something to take place or to prevent
something from occurring.
Eg. Federal government creation of new law in 1986, placing
all World heritage sites under the control of the federal
government, allowing it to holt the Franklin Dam.
 Classwork/Homework

You need to investigate one of the conflicts you have

researched so far. You need to identify the following:
The basis of the conflict (the groups associated, their opinions)
The methods the groups used to influence the public and
decision makers opinions
The decisions that were made and the processes used to make
them
Whether the conflict was resolved or not (was it at a
compromise of opinions or a one sided result)