Paul Mulley
University of Western Sydney
Co-authored with Deborah Atkins
Its not all technical, the process is just as important: A case study of the Sydney urban irrigation sector
Complex environmental issues require complex responses. Whilst technical input is important when considering environmental management, the capacity of the persons managing the situation, and the process of such management is just as important. The development of a process that enables easier decision making, monitoring and reporting is needed in the urban irrigation sector.
This paper discusses the processes associated with the Sustainability Challenge: Urban Case Study project. This project developed a reporting tool for the urban irrigation sector to enable those associated with this industry to monitor and report on social, economic and environmental aspects of their activities.
This project involved stakeholders from various local and state government organisations and the private irrigation sector in the Sydney basin. Whilst major focus was placed on the technical aspects, indicators and outcomes of the reporting tool it was realised that one of the important outcomes of the project was the development of a process that empowered decision making, cooperation and capacity building. The process also requires regular review to help with continuous improvement.
Email: p.mulley@uws.edu.au
Email:d.atkins@uws.edu.au