A practical conversation on what it takes to move beyond consultation and support meaningful local participation in water decision-making.

About

Local empowerment is increasingly recognised as important in water and regional decision-making, but what does it require in practice? Building on an earlier One Basin CRC discussion on Empowering Local Communities, this webinar shifts from the broad “why” to the practical “how”.

Panellists explore what enables meaningful participation beyond standard consultation processes, including trusted relationships, facilitation, governance arrangements, evidence, capability, First Nations perspectives, and the links between local priorities and wider water policy responsibilities.

The discussion considers how community input can become more useful in shaping decisions, rather than remaining general feedback, and what role research organisations can play in supporting fair, decision-relevant and adaptive processes.

Presenters

• Bernadette Torresan (One Basin CRC)
• Caroline Rosello (One Basin CRC)

Panel Members

• Shari Blumer (Murray Darling Association)
• Michael Spencer (Unversity of Melbourne)
• Edwina Hayes (One Basin CRC, Griffith Regional Advisory Committee Chair)

Webinar Resources