Abstract
For almost half a century, the right to contribute has been part of the planning process. It is a right that has led to contentious debate, both about the process of participation and the matters around which participation takes place. In this chapter, we consider these debates through the lens of four dilemmas that have been recognized in Australia, and internationally, as constituting the dynamic nature of community engagement: rights and recognition; values; registers of rationality and emotion; and actions outside the planning system. For each we provide historical context, discuss emblematic cases, and feature current concerns.
This chapter explores community engagement in the Australian context and discusses it through the lens of four dilemmas that have been recognized in Australia, and internationally, as constituting the dynamic nature of public participation. The dilemmas involve rights and recognition, values, registers of rationality and emotion, and actions outside the planning system. For each dilemma the chapter provides historical context, also discusses emblematic cases and provides an overview emerging issues that are shaping engagement practice in Australia. The chapter describes two issues which prompt sustained conflicts and which reflect deep-seated concerns about changes in the Australian population. It further discusses the cases that include those from urban and regional settings, and focus on built and natural environments and the actions of a wide range of stakeholders. The cases provide insights into the distinctiveness of the Australian planning context and the "essentially political process" that lies at the heart of public participation and community engagement.