Visions in Leisure and Business

Volume 14 Number 4 Article 2

1996

Building Community Commitment for a Region's Future: The Case of Port Stephens,

Harold Richins The University of New Castle

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Recommended Citation Richins, Harold (1996) "Building Community Commitment for a Region's Future: The Case of Port Stephens, Australia," Visions in Leisure and Business: Vol. 14 : No. 4 , Article 2. Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/visions/vol14/iss4/2

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Journals at ScholarWorks@BGSU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Visions in Leisure and Business by an authorized editor of ScholarWorks@BGSU. BUILDING COMMUNITY COMMITMENT FOR A REGION'S FUTURE: THE CASE OF PORT STEPHENS, AUSTRALIA

BY

DR. HAROLD RICHINS,SENIOR LECTURER AND TOURISM COORDINATOR

DEPARTMENT OF LEISURE AND TOURISM STUDIES THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY DRIVE CALLAGHAN, AUSTRALIA

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION

With tremendous growth in coastal A number of coastal communities of · communities of Australia within the last two Australia have seen tremendous growth in decades, intense pressures have been placed the last 10-20 years due primarily to on localcommunities, especiallyin the areas increased interest in domestic and where tourism is a growing phenomenon. international tourism. In addition, there has People living in these sensitive regions have been strong movement away from cities been searching for long term solutions. (over 80% of Australian live in cities), There are many challenges, however, in where people have sought "lifestyle" meeting the needs and dealing with the changes and the dream to "live in paradise." complex relationships between tourists, This growthhas created intense pressures on residents, investors, providers of tourist and local commumnes in culturally and lifestyle experiences, non-government and environmentally sensitive regions. (Figure 1 government organisations. To meet these graphically shows this exodus of people in difficulties, community groups have the regionsnear .) attempted to gain local awareness of the costs and benefits of more responsible, In order to minimise the potential negative community based approaches to tourism and impacts of increased tourism, recreational other types of developments. This paper home and residential development, people looks at how a community that has been living in these sensitive areas have looked embracing tourism while allowing increased for long term solutions. The complex residential development in a sensitive relationships between tourists, residents, region, is also attempting to facilitate investors, providers of tourist and lifestyle interaction and influence decision making experiences, non-government and govern­ within the community. ment organisations, however, have created great challenges in meeting their needs. With their diverse needs and little interest in integrating their needs, communities have often felt disenfranchised.

5 To meet these difficulties, community Others have expanded on the nature by groups have attempting to gain local which the community participation process awareness of the costs and benefits of more is effective (4, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 20, 33). A responsible, community based approaches to number of key elements in community tourism and other developments. In involvement are identified below. addition increased interest, involvement and a feeling of empowerment of people in the decision process has led to potential for Elements of Community Involvement decisions that are "in the best interests" of a broaderrange of the community. Elements of community involvement have included: the commitment communities This paper will look at how a community have to provide for local involvement, the that has been embracing tourism as well as a understanding of local attitudes toward strong growth in residential development, is decisions on future policy as well as also attempting to facilitate interaction and individual projects, the development goals influence decision making within the and priorities coming from local residents, community. The issues covered by this the extent of involvement and consultation paper include aspects of community including a multi-level and multi-sector participation and involvement in the approach, the stages of the planning and decision processes and how cooperative development process that should include actions can affect the potential for balance community participation, the continuous or parity within a community regarding its nature the involvement process, the future sustainability. In discussing these flexibilityin attempting differentapproaches issues, the community of Port Stephens in for different situations, and the synergistic New South Wales, Australia, which has seen approach a community can take in order to sizeable pressures from tourism and recent achieve a "win-win" type of outcome. A lifestyle change, will be traced over a ten number of elements that have been year pericxl up to 1995. Finally, a number embraced by a number of writers are of approaches, gained from the Port included in Figure 2. Stephens case study will be suggested in moving toward balance and long term These elements of community involvement sustainability within a community. areelaborated further below:

Providing opportunityfor local involvement: COMMUNITYINPUT AND A number of writers have pointed to the PARTICIPATION need of providing real opportunities for local involvement and consultation in the Input from the community has been a decision process (7, 9, 10, 14, 17). Few, crucial area of consideration in tourism as however, have discussed how that process well as other types of development. might take place and what approaches are Community participation in the planning, the most effective or ineffective. There is development, implementation ·and monitor­ some evidence that has shown a lack of ing of tourism projects has been mentioned comprehensiveness in the involvement of by numerous writers as an important local residents due to motivations and component in the decision making process. interests within the community (26).

6 Understanding local attitudes: Dowling static, but should be an interactive and discussed the importance of tourism continuous process in seeking out and developers taking account of local incorporatingdiverse views (8). community attitudes, including: "the way Flexibleapproaches to tourism planning: A that a local unaltered environment number of approaches have been attempted contributesto a community's sense of place" in utilising community participation in (7). Keogh, however, discussed the tourism planning. Some of these are difficulties in gammg representative elaborated below: Inskeep outlined a understanding of first, the informationneeds method for maximum involvement of the and then the attitudes of local community community in both the planning as well as residents (15). the decision-making process of tourism. This would involve "participation in the Goals and priorities that come from actual development and management" of residents: D'Amore, in his studies of tourism projects (13). Haywood discussed tourism development in Canadian communi­ "a tourism planning committee with ies, suggested that tourism development representatives from all sectors of a goals should be identified primarily by local community" (12). In a more involved residents ( 4). approach, Inskeep suggested the creation of . "tourism advisory boards that involve all Multi-level involvement of diverse sectors stakeholders" (13). In the late 1980's, including the community: While Alberta put forward an elaborate involvement in an integrated manner of a "Community Tourism Action Program" diverse group of affected parties, has been which included a four step awareness, proposed, (14, 3) recognition of the need to information sharing, assistance and public increase the involvement of "community input process. This process was intended to groups, environmental groups, industry assist commumbes (defined as any groups and the general public has also been incorporated municipal jurisdiction) to take put forward (3). Public participation ownership of where they wanted t� aim, through a multi-level approach has recently regarding tourism (33). been discussed in the development of local and regional coastal planning. This includes Synergistic relationships and a consensus of a range of levels from the development of opinion: Murphy's work suggested "that if more comprehensive policies to involve­ the public and private groups are given the ment on specificdevelopment projects (3 ). chance to participate at an early stage there is sufficient consensus of opinion to permit Participation during each stage of the broadly based planning objectives" . (21). planning process: Public participation has This indicates that, with constructive and been shown to be more effective at each facilitated contact between diverse groups stage of the planning process, and especially on policy and specific projects there can be at the earliest possible stage. This is "before greater potential for consensus, and commitments are made and battle lines therefore improved results. Murphy also drawn (21). suggested that the most positive working relationship will be a "synergistic one, Continuous process of involvement: where... parties are seen to gain from each Dowling suggested that the community other's involvement" (20). tourism planning approach should not be 7 Difficultiesin Public Participation Theorists such as Anderson, ( 1) Richardson, Young, Thomassen, (30) Krippendorf, (16) As has been shown previously, there are Lane, (18) and Butler (2) have discussed many positive merits in gaining input from models of responsible tourism principles the community on tourism and development which normally tend to reflect first, an issues. Some writers, however, have also approach to planning, managing, under­ addressed the potentialineffectiveness of the standing, participating in and/or encourag­ poorly represented nature of some public ing tourism and second, the probable degree meetings and other citizen participation of impact the particular approach may have solicited by local government authorities as on a community. These principles have as a method of representativecommunity input major categories (31): Community (15, 20, 19). This suggests the need to seek planning, management and control, facility the broadest possible input and involvement planning and management, tourism impact from a diverse group of affected players. orientation and tourists and their behaviour. By only attempting what some decision Community planning, input, vision and makers offer as: a "tokenism approach-­ sensitivity to the development process are allowing citizens to provide data and react some of the key aspects of these criteria. A to the proposals of experts, but not letting number of these ideas, their successes and them become involved in setting priorities challenges, are expanded further below in a or participating in the decision making" case study of a region 200 kilometers north (21), true community participation will not of Sydney, Australia: Port Stephens, New have beenaccomplished. South Wales.

Many of these elements above have potential forpositive results forplanners and PORT STEPHENS AND COMMUNITY developers. These elements, however, are EMPOWERMENT IN normally approachedfrom the point of view DECISION MAKING of the developer, either developer driven or planner driven. They are seldom viewed Over the past ten years a growing regional from the point of view of community community of about 40,000 people, Port initiated and driven decision making. This Stephens, has experienced dramatic growth paper attempts to shed some light on a in popularity as a place to live and as a community driven approach that has seen tourist destination. As a result of a pro­ some success within the community of Port development/pro-tourist stance by local Stephens. government, this has resulted in a rapid program of both tourist and residential development. COMMUNITY SUCCESS MODELS IN TOURISM Community Concerns in Community input and participation are not Port Stephens alone in approaches to building community commitment. A number of models have In the 1980s and early 1990s, after seeing been developedrecently in the tourism arena their "Blue Water Wonderland" (as the that have broader appeal to communities promotional brochures have called the area), who are encompassing tourism regions. change dramatically, numerous people in the 8 Port Stephens community began to express Community Relationships Initially Seen concern and at times strong resentment of as Ineffective Council policy. A number of issues and concerns emerged regarding proposed Before 1992, community relationships developments and the directions in which regarding tourism and residential the local Council of Port Stephens was development were seen to be in a state of headed. Most of the concerns include either chaos. Little communication existed those affecting natural attractions or those between affected players with development affecting built attractions in natural settings. plans shown to the local community with little or no input nor time for response. There was seen to be an adversarial role ProminentCommunity Organisations between such diverse players as local Formed in and council management, developers, and various concerned Since these concerns have arisen, community groups. There were few, if any collaborative actions have taken place mechanisms for organised and effective through numerous community meetings, dialogue. "Experts" were brought in to regular correspondence with local press, argue for each vested organisation while · submissions to council and other activities showing limited concern for other resident's aimed at either blocking "insensitive" issues. Figure 5 graphically represents a development proposals, or changing the picture of these ineffective and quite chaotic direction and emphasis in the region to a community relationships. longer term "responsible" approach (34). Concerned community members who did not feel their positions were being heard by Movement Toward More Effective decision makers, formed into a number of Relationships in the Port Stephens pressure groups, (29, 28) organised a series Community of meetings and extensively used the "letters to the editor" section of local newspapers as In late 1992, a one day conference was a grass roots effort to address community organised and supported by a number of the concerns. community groups with the primary objective of discussing the major issues, The following Figure 3 identifies some of impacts and opportunities regarding the these prominent community organisations. future of Port Stephens. The Council Figure 4 combines and describes the Port President and local State member for Stephens concerns and community groups parliament attended and were involved in involved in addressing each concern. These the conference. Integrity of wildlife habitat pressuregroups and concerns were seen as a was chosen as a focus during the conference natural result of the desires of a growing and a number of philosophical conservation number of the community. and ecologically sustainable development principles were put forwardand endorsed.

One major endorsement of the "Wildlife Summit" included the underpinnings of low

9 negative impact tourism development within EcoNetwork's Vision the Port Stephens region as a viable and more responsible alternative to the primary EcoNetwork's vision projects an eco­ mass tourism--large scale development oriented culture that addresses the total emphasis that had been promoted until this human condition, nurturing a holistic quality time. of life now and the transfer of intact natural systems to futuregenerations. It became clear from discussions with various pressure groups, that the natural and socio-cultural assets of the region could be EcoNetwork's Aiim utilised to potentiallymeet the diverse needs of these community groups (primarily a) To unify members, affiliates, com­ conservation of Port Stephen's natural, munities and their organisations in co­ social and cultural assets) while giving operation around shared values, common incentives to promote "appropriate" ap­ interest and objectives. proaches for economic well being through increased visitors to the region. So-called b) To conduct an educative and aware­ types of "sensitive", "responsible" or "eco­ ness program within local communities on oriented" tourism were viewed as positive ecological values and systems. solutions to increasing income to the region while not adversely affecting the area. c) To conduct workshops, seminars, forums on complex and contentious issues impacting upon ecosystems and related Integration and Formation of concerns. EcoNetwork

Within three months, the concept of MODEL OF EFFECTIVE building a proactive and more united RELATIONSHIPS REGARDING community mechanism with a network of TOURISM AND OTHER shared communications was developed. DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN Many of the Port Stephens community PORT STEPHENS pressure groups supported the ideas and directions from the 1992 conference and a These developments described above in the new organisation was formed called case of Port Stephens have resulted in a EcoNetwork--Port Stephens. As of 1995, significantchange in the directions, attitudes Nineteen Port Stephens community groups and participation approaches with decision have becomemembers of EcoNetwork--Port makers. Figure 6 represents graphically, Stephens. In forming this direction and this movement toward effective community bringing these groups together, there were a relationships regarding development pro­ number of key leaders whose influence, jects (as well as policy formulation) in the tenacity and facilitation skills were Port Stephens community. fundamental to EcoNetwork and its future interactions. The primary directions of Though the model described in Figure 6 is EcoNetwork areoutlined below: not yet completely functional, under this set up, the major aspects include improved

10 communications and organisational relation­ Actions and Initiatives ships, sharing of expertise and resources, and integration of the decision making Tomaree Geographic: The Tomaree process. Ideas on projects and policies are Geographic was established to encourage nurtured and fed into the community at people through educative initiatives to take earlier stages ( and at each stage) for an interest in protecting the local feedback and identification of potential environment and foster awareness and problems. Through an effective negotiation understanding of the rich natural and process, these potential problems are dealt cultural heritage of the Tomaree Peninsula. with through involvement, education, Promoting the Tomaree Peninsula as an compromise and change. ideal place to visit for educational tourism, and putting local business first are two Of note: Recently the Port Stephens additionalaims of the periodical(32). General Manager has had discussions regarding the formationof a panel similar to Trust fund proposal: This is designed to the "community development panel" as attract large corporate and private donations, shown in Figure 6. He also commented that legacies and inheritances that may be used he wanted "council to put in place a 30-year for the purchase of significant places of concept plan for the shire with community importance to tourism, the natural heritage support to help stop the continuing debate and futuregenerations. on the environment versus development" (27). This 30-year concept plan is currently Aboriginal liaison officer appointed: An being developed and the author was Aboriginal representation and liaison officer requested to be a member of the planning has been appointed to council in order to council forthis plan. assist in preservation of the local aboriginal culture, historic sites and the environment.

PORT STEPHENS ACTIONS AND Centre of Coastal Zone Management INITIATIVESFOR LONG TERM Proposal: This has involved a regional SUSTAINABILITY approach to the formation of a Centre for Coastal Zone Management that attempts to There is still much to be accomplished in combine the functions of research, applied determining Port Stephens future, however, management, ecotourism, education and these positive directions are an effective training. The ultimate goal would be a beginning to achieving long term national centreof excellence that would give sustainabilitywithin this community. Major the region a national and international examples of the numerous actions, profilein coastal zone management and help initiatives, groups, forums and meetings that to redefine the image of Newcastle have · been organised to meet these (including the regionalarea) as a 'green city' improving relationships and decision (6). processes within the Port Stephens community are described in some detail Draft Eco-tourism Strategy for Newcastle below. Bight/Hunter River Wetlands: This strategy argued for the three environmental features adjacent to and partof Port Stephens and the city of Newcastle to be enhanced for use as 11 ecotourism attractions for regional, national consultation and support to tourism, and international tourism. These include a recreationand development projects. 35 kilometre coastal high dune system and coastal bushland of Newcastle Bight, the 43 Ecotourism workgroup: A workgroup was square kilometre Island Nature recently organised to offer support for reserve and Hexham Mangrove Swamp, responsible and innovative ecologically which are internationally recognised habitats sustainable tourism in the Port Stephens for bird and marine life. Included in the region. This includes networking, proposal would be to develop controlled developing responsible tourism strategies access to the waterways, bushland and dune for decision makers, conduct workshops on systems through interpretive signage and ecologically sustainable tourism. Joint educative approaches and access by shallow multi-council funding has been sought to draft boating, use of boardwalks, viewing develop in 1996, a regional ecotourism platforms, cycleways, maintained trail educational manual which will include (a) systems and historic visitor and education understanding of the key principles of centre (5). ecotourism, (b) regional information on geological, geographical, historical (koori, white settlement, maritime), biological and Groups ecological, cultural and social aspects, (c) criteria and considerations for ecotour NewcastleBight CoastalPark Coalition: In operators in Port Stephens, (d) potential 1993, five diverse groups: Newcastle Bight ideas for developing, marketing and Group, Fem Bay Residents managing a small ecotourism operation, (e) Group, Stockton Rifle Range Preservation photographs and interpretive maps of key Committee, Northern Parks and sights of interest in the region, (t) Playgrounds Movement, interpretive methods to enhance visitor's Community Forum added support to form experiences and (g) list of current operators the Newcastle Bight Coastal Park Coalition. who are committed to with the basics of The purpose of this coalition grouphas been ecotourism. to press for the inclusion of all public land along Newcastle Bight into a Coastal Park Port Stephens WetlandsAction Group: The System. The large park of more than 35 Port Stephens Wetlands Action Group was kilometres in length is intended to enhance formed in early 1994 with a purpose of passive recreation and ecotourism by lobbying all levels of government to save improving access and interpretation of the the remaining wetlands areas and cultural natural heritage of the Hunter Region . of sites in the Port Stephens LocalGovernment New South Wales (22). This park has been area. recently endorsed by the local and state governments. Dolphin Watch Boat Chanerers Group: The Dolphin Watch Boat Charterers Group Precinct Conunittee for Council: A was formed in 1994 to begin discussing the committee was established to discuss openly potential problems and look for cooperative with local government, the challenges of solutions to sustaining the 90-100 dolphins diverse, yet specific local needs in the who live in the Port Stephens Bay. In early community and to offer community 1995 a voluntary "Code of Practice for

12 Dolphin Watching" was developed and council representatives to review and look at endorsed by Port Stephens Council. the feasibility of developing a regional responsible ecotourism oriented strategy for Aboriginal Heritage Workgroup: An Abo­ the regions of Port Stephens, Newcastle, riginal heritage workgroup was recently Dungog, Great Lakes local government formed with a three part agenda: ( 1) areas for regional tourism in natural identification and protection of sites, (2) environment. education and interpretation for local community, decision makers and visitors, open forum: In and (3) identify and support business, May, 1994, a speaking and information tourism and fundingopportunities. forum was conducted with community, government, operators and non-government organisations for the purpose of discussing Meetinp and Foru� limitations and opportunities for the expansion and enhancement of Tomaree Coastal Care Crisis Forum: This will be National Park and Reserves. This is conduct� in early September, 1994 as a expected to represent eight unique region forum of community, government, ecosystems and establish an asset base for · affected industries and non-government the development of nature oriented tourism groups to address issues and challenges of in the region. managing and assuring sustainability of the geologically, socio-culturally and Marine Summit: A workgroup has been economically diverse coastal region. meeting to organise a regional marine summit for the development of key Mambo Wetlands Council panel: A management strategies involving the diverse discussion and decision panel is being recreational, fishing, tourism, and wildlife organised, to address the diverse tourism needs of one of the largest inland coastal and land based needs and direction of waterways in New South Wales (11) .. Mambo mangrove wetlands. This involves setting up a panel of about eight to twelve Tilligerry Habitat Special Public Meeting people representing the local community, and Community Forum: In June, 1993 a experts participation, and council decision speaking and information forum for the makers. A cooperative approach may be development of Tilligerry Habitat nature taken to compromise for 70% of land set centre was organised, including tourism, aside for protection and development of animal and land management approaches aboriginal interpretive centre, with 30% on and strategic planning development (23). less sensitive land utilised for housing Then in June, 1994 an open community development. This panel may be looked on forum was coordinated to discuss the favourably as a model for the possibility of development of ecotourism for expanding organising a Community Development the economic base of the Tilligerry Panel (as shown in Figure6). Peninsula. This would be done through development of the Tilligerry Habitat, Joint regional workgroup for establishing Tanilba Historic House and Lemon Tree cross-council responsible tourism strategy: Passage Mangrove Boardwalk, well known In June, 1994 a meeting was set up between for abundance of marsupials, sea and land community leaders, tourism academics and birds, aboriginal and settler history. An 13 open forum was organised to discuss the developers. These elements, however, have future direction of job creation through normally been approached from the point of ecotourism and to develop commitment and view of the developer, either developer understanding for local community mem­ driven or planner driven. Many writers bers (24, 25). have looked at this form of participation of the community from the position of "community input to decision making" APPROACHES TO COMMUNITY where higher bodies look for ways to gain DRIVEN DECISION MAKING: WHAT community participation. This case of Port CAN BE LEARNED FROM THE PORT Stephens, however, has shown that under STEPHENS SITUATION? some conditions the position of "community driven decision making" can be an effective When a community is disoriented and means of producing sustainable change in a disenfranchised regarding its future, community's future. decisions that affect the community are seen to be in a state of chaos. Attempts initially Figure 7 shows a number of these principles made to determine the community's future as discussed previously which were found to may first involve increased fire-fighting on be applicable in the Port Stephens situation. many fronts in order to influence In addition, Figure 7 also lists a number of community decision making. Utilising a conditions which existed or were created in "firefighting approach", however, may lead the Port Stephens situation. Both these to feelings of frustration, hopelessness and principles and the community's conditions disenchantment with results. This may may have some relevance to tourism occur because of too many new "battle oriented coastal communities in other fronts", and an adversarial approach to regions. It was quite clear that, at least in influencing decision making. The the Port Stephens case, to be effective in community may feel that there are no real community oriented tourism and winners but only losers. development decision making, a community must move beyond just community input ff conditions exist, however, a change of and it must nurture an atmosphere toward approach may include communication, empowerment and synergy in a community cooperation and integration in the decision driven decision process. making process. The diverse players may then see the advantages of attempting to work together toward more resolution of CONCLUSION problems and planning for the future and at an earlier stage in the process. Under this This paper has looked at how community's "ideal" looking scenario, the diverse players may attempt to facilitate interaction and move away from adversary positions toward influence decision making within the a focus on synergy and the community community. Community participation was begins to progress closer to parity and looked to as a major focus in decision balance and a sustainable future. processes within community's that are embracing tourism and other related As was mentioned earlier in this paper, there development pressures. In discussing these are a number of community participation issues, the community of Port Stephens in elements that have potentialfor planners and New South Wales, Australia, which has seen

14 intense pressures from tourism and movement towardlong termsustainability, a residential holiday development, was community must become committed to reviewed as a model case in gaining insight creating effective relationships between its into community decision processes. members so that advisory roles are minimised and communication, education, In order to embrace the aspects of cooperationand consensus are achieved. community driven decision making in the

REFERENCES 1. D. L. Anderson, Walking on the Edge: Creating a Framework for Responsible Design for EcotourismFacilities, Anderson Group Architects, 1992.

2. R. W. Butler, Alternative Tourism: Pious Hope or Trojan Horse?, World Leisure and Recreation, Vol. (4), pp. 9-17, 1989. 3. Coastal Committee of New South Wales, Draft Revised Coastal Policy forNSW, 1994.

4. L. J. D'Amore, Guidelines to Planning in Harmony with the Host Community, in Tourism in Canada; Selected Issues andQptions , P. E. Murphy,Ed., WesternGeographical Series, Vol. 21, Victoria, pp. 135-159, 1983.

5. H. Dick, Newcastle Bight/Hunter River Wetlands: Newcastles Future as a Green City, A Draft Eco-tourismStrategy, 1994.

6. H. Dick, Centreof Coastal Zone Management: A Draft Proposal,1993.

7. R. Dowling, The Ecoethics of Tourism: Guidelines for Developers, Operators and Tourists, fromProceedings of the Ecotourism Conference,U Diversity of Queensland, Brisbane, 1991.

8. R. Dowling, An Environmentally-based Planning Model for Regional Tourism Development, Journal of SustainableTou rism, Vol. 1, pp. 17-37, 1993. 9. D. Dredge and S. Moore,A Methodology for the Integration of Tourism in Town Planning, Journalof Tourism Studies, Vol. 3, pp. 8-21, 1992. 10. Ecologically Sustainable Development Working Groups, Final Report-Tourism, Australian Government Publishing, Canberra,1991.

11. F. Future, Marine WorkgroupUpdate, EcoWatch Newsletter, Vol. 1(1), EcoNetwork, Port Stephens, 1993.

12. M. Haywood, Responsible and Responsive Tourism Planning in the Community, Tourism Mana�ement, Vol. 9, pp. 105-118, 1988.

15 13. E. Inskeep, Tourism Planning, Van NostrandReinhold, p. 29, 1991. 14. E. Inskeep, Tourism Planning: An Emerging Specialisation, APA Journal, pp. 360-372, 1988.

15. B. Keogh, Public Participation in Community Tourism Planning, Annals of Tourism Research, Vol. 17, pp. 449-465, 1990. 16. J. Krippendorf, The Holiday Makers: Understanding the Impact of Leisure and Travel, Heinemann, Oxford, 1987.

17. J. Krippendorf, Towards New Tourism Policies: The Importance of Environmental and SocioculturalFa ctors, TourismMana�ement, pp. 135-148, 1982. 18. B. Lane, Rural Tourism, Cheltenham: Countryside Recreation Conference, Countryside Commission, 1988.

19. P. J. Loukissas, Public Participation in Community Tourism Planning: A Gaming Simulation Approach, Journalof Travel Research, Vol. 22, pp. 18-23, 1983. 20. P. Murphy, Community DrivenTourism Planning, TourismMana�ement, pp. 97-104, 1988. 21. P. E. Murphy, Tourism: A Community Approach, Methuen, London, 1985.

22. Newcastle Bight Coastal Park Coalition brochure, Newcastle, 1993.

23. R. Oliver, Note on Tilligerry Habitat Special Public Meeting, 1993.

24. J. Olley, Tilligerry Habitat: Possible Ecotourism and Employment Opportunities, 1994.

25. J. Olley, Development of Ecotourism to Expand the Economic Base of the Tilligerry Peninsula, 1994.

26. T. O'Riordan, Participation Through Objection: Some Thoughts on the UK Experience in Canadian Conference on Public Participation, Environmental Council of Alberta, Edmonton, 1978.

27. PortStephens Examiner, Council Chiefs Talk Back, August 31, 1994. 28. PortSt ephens Examiner,Group Pushing forNew Deal from Council, October 24, 1990. 29. PortSt ephens Examiner, People Power, August 29, 1993. 30. Compiled by J. Richardson (Tread Lightly), M. Young (WWF), A. Thomassen (World Expeditions)for Ecotourism Associationof Australia,Vol. 1(2), H. Richins, Editor, 1992.

16 31. H. Richins and K. O'Keefe-Richins, Utilising Interpretation as a Basis for Implementing Responsible Tourism Principles: TheCase of Port Stephens, 1993. 32. P. Slack, The Policy of the Tomaree Geographic, Tomaree Geowwhic, September/October issue, 1993.

33. W. W. Warren, Creating Actionable Community Development Plans Through Research, Proceedio&s of theTo urismConne ction; Likio&Research andMarketin&, Travel andTouris m Research Association, Bureauof Economicand Business Research, Salt Lake City, Utah,1990. 34. G. Young, H. Richins, R. Rugimbana, New Directionsfor Tourism Planning: Port Stephens Shire,Proceedin&s of NationalConference on Tourism Research, Sydney University, 1993.

17 Figure 1: Net Intrastate Migration 1986-91

·-----·------r �! - Net Intrastate Migration 1986-91

ORAN A

FAR WESTERN

Source: AB.S. Unpublished Data

18 Figure 2: Elements of Community Involvement

Providingopportunity forlocal involvement

Understanding localattitudes

Goals and priorities that come fromresidents

Multi-level involvement of diverse sectors including the community

Participationduring each stage of the planning process

Continuousprocess of involvement

Flexible approaches to tourism planning

Synergistic relationships and a consensus of opinion

19 Figure 3: Prominent Community Organisations in Port Stephens

CorlettePrecinct W allaroo ConservationGroup

Fingal/Shoal Bay ProgressAssociation ConservationSociety - Port Stephens

Friends of Point Stephens Friends of Fame Cove

Boat HarbourResidents & Ratepayers National Parks Association - Hunter Reg.

Port Stephens Clean Waters Coalition HunterKoala Preservation Society

Native AnimalTrust Fund - Hunter Region Newcastle Bight Coastal Park Coalition

Lemon Tree Passage Parks & Reserves PortStephens Coalit'n Against High Rise

Port StephenPrecinct Committee Port StephensWetlands Action Group

PortStephens Planning & Environ.Lobby Corlette/Salamander ProgressAssoc.

TilligerryBush Preservation Group TilligerryHabitat SteeringCommittee

20 Figure 4: Specific Concerns and Community Pr�ureGroups in Port Stephens

Community Communitypressure Description of concern concern group Anchorage Corlette Concerned Anchorage PortStephens resort in sensitive waterfront Resort Citizens Group location of CorletteHeadland Extension to National Parks Proposed increasesto the Tomaree NationalPark in Tomaree Association: Hunter order to encompass the seven unique eco-systems of NationalPark Region the PortStephens region Fame Cove Friends of Fame Cove Major yachtinganchorage, aboriginalsite, and nature NatureReserve reserve was potentiallyto be sold at auctionto private developer Mambo Corlette • Salamander Proposed residential development of sensitiveMambo Wetlands PrecinctNumber 4/5 wetlandsand Aboriginal site Cultural Centre Newcastle Newcastle Bight Proposed coastal park t.oprotect and enhanceone of Bight Coastal Coastal Park Coalition the largest coastal dune eco-systems in Australia. To Park make available, visitor useof thesystem withlittle disturbance. Apposing developers want 17,000people residential site. Point Stephens Friendsof Point Rebuilding and conservationof Australia'sthird oldest Island Stephens lighthouse residence and island preservation Port Stephens ConservationSociety of Conservation and regeneration of waterfrontland Flora Garden Port Stephens separatingtwo Port Stephens villages Shoal Bay PortStephens Preservationof last natural greenwater front buffer of beach front Planning and mature forest in the /ShoalBay area forest EnvironmentLobby Shoal Bay Port Stephens Highrise redevelopment of Shoal Bay CountryClub Country Club CoalitionAgainst High beyondthe limitsset by council Rise Habitat Interim Steering Rezoningfor tourism development of wat.erfront land Committee ofTilligerry betweentwo villages in Port Stephens: Tanilba and Habitat Mallubula Wanda PortStephens Proposed residential development of sensitiveWanda Wetlands WetlandsAction wetlandsand Aboriginalsite Aboriginal Group Waterhole

21 Figure S: Ineffective Community Relationships Which Existed in the Past in Port Stephens Regarding Development Projects

0

22 Figure 6: Moving Toward Effective Community Relationships in Port Stephens Regarding Development Projects

Communications and education Understanding ot issues Communityfeedback Visionand planning Negotiation Problem resolution Implementation support

23 Figure 7: The Nature by Which a Community Driven Decision Making Process may be Effective

Principles + gain an understandingof local attitudes + goals and priorities begin fromlocal residents + multi-leveland multi-sector involvement + communityinvolvement at everystage is important + involvement should be a continuous process + there should beflexibility in attemptingdifferent approaches + focus on a synergistic approachto problem resolution

Conditiom + sense of communityis strong + key ·person(s) witha vision and tenacity + well establishedcommunity groups + key issue(s) that span across and mobilisethe community + feeling thatindividual andgroup efforts can make a difference • unstable councilor changingdynamics in thekey decision makers + resources available toeffectively address issues (i.e., knowledgeand skills, money and time) + communitycommitment for involvement, synergyand sustainability

24