Explaining the "ebb and flow" of the problem stream: frame conflicts over the future of coal seam gas ("fracking") in Australia

Why do issues “fade” from the problem stream? This is an important but underresearched question, which this article examines by looking at the dynamic interaction between frames and frame sponsors. We develop a novel methodological approach that combines algorithmic coding (topic modelling) with hand-coding to track changes in the presence of frames and frame sponsors during periods of intense problematisation (“problem windows”) both within continuous contexts and diachronically across different contexts. We apply this approach empirically in a corpus of newspaper articles that pertain to the coal seam gas controversy in Australia – a divisive policy issue where frame conflicts are common. We find that elite actors have a particularly decisive impact on the problem stream in terms of both the evolution and duration of debate. Further, problem windows close in response to three different mechanisms: elite frame convergence; public statements (by government and industry); and elections.The authors acknowledge funding from the Australian Research Council (DP150103615

Unearthing the sun : making sense of the proposed coal developments in the Galilee Basin

The Galilee Basin is a major coal basin in central-west Queensland on the brink of being 'opened up' for the first time. However, almost every component of the proposed developments has been clouded by controversy, with the prospect of substantial negative consequences at local, regional and global levels. In particular, the proposed coal developments in the Galilee Basin appear woefully out of step with the imperative to limit the production and consumption of fossil fuels in the face of global warming. This thesis examines the plans and controversies in the Galilee Basin as an example of human society's coal conundrum; coal is central to the development and functioning of modern industrial society, yet a continuing reliance on coal will severely challenge the safe operating space for humans on planet Earth. It is a situation that demands engagement with the complex social and environmental dimensions of humanity's continuing dependence on fossil fuels. I identify and explore some of the systemic factors driving coal development in the Galilee Basin by locating current events in a broad historical view. Guided by the fields of human ecology and environmental history, I consider a number of key nested historical contexts that help to explain the impetus behind Australian coal development, as well as the often uncomfortable coexistence of coal-based development with other industries and values. Current dilemmas in the Galilee Basin are situated in the context of the region itself, as well as in the longer story of coal in Queensland, Australia, early industrial Britain, and the planetary scale picture of carbon and fossil fuels. Coal is found to be inextricably entwined in the technological, economic, political, and cultural fabric of modern society. While there are broadly similar patterns across the industrialised world, there are distinctive features about the biophysical and sociocultural history of Australia that have enabled an especially prominent role for coal. From a broad historical perspective it is evident that there are multilayered, historically charged, forces propelling coal mining in the Galilee Basin. But also, the proposed developments come at a time when the costs of coal are starting to overwhelm its long perceived benefits. The Galilee Basin is thus at a unique crossroads in time. How events play out in the region will, to a large extent, reflect the complex global struggle to forge a future beyond fossil fuels. The discussion and findings from this research are also relevant to discussions about the multi-dimensional aspects of energy more generally, and how humanity might think about energy choices in the decades to come

Coal contestations: Learning from a long, broad view

Tensions between the agriculture and mining sectors in Australia have increased in recent years, with the coal and CSG industries coming to loggerheads with agricultural communities in many areas across the country. Various attempts have been made to add

Performing politics on social media:The dramaturgy of an environmental controversy on Facebook

Social media has become an important stage for environmental politics where different actors seek to shape and contest meanings. Meaning making on social media is studied through an empirical study of a controversial coal seam gas project in Australia. Key Facebook pages associated with opposing viewpoints on this controversy are analyzed using the dramaturgical concepts of scripting and staging. The analysis reveals that the Facebook performances are multisensory, staged to appear personal, and tightly scripted. It is argued that although these characteristics serve an important solidarity function among like-minded individuals and groups, they leave limited space or tolerance for counter-scripts. This in-depth empirical analysis suggests that social media platforms are transforming the way publics form and meet, but their capacity to bridge opposing viewpoints on divisive issues remains limited.This work was supported by the Australian Research Council: [Grant Number DP1501033615]

Listening in polarised controversies: a study of listening practices in the public sphere

Listening is an important feature of policy making and democratic politics. Yet in an era of increased polarisation the willingness and capacity of citizens to listen to each other, especially those they disagree with, is under strain. Drawing insights from a divisive community conflict over proposed coal seam gas development in regional Australia, this article examines how citizens listen to each other in a polarised controversy. The analysis identifies four different listening practices that citizens enact in a polarised public sphere, including (1) enclave listening between like-minded citizens; (2) alliance listening across different enclaves; (3) adversarial listening between citizens on opposing sides of the debate to monitor opponents; and (4) transformative listening where citizens listen selectively to other community members with the intention of changing their views. The article argues that all four listening practices fulfil important democratic functions in polarised debates such as enhancing the connective, reflective and communicative capacity of the public sphere. Notwithstanding these democratic contributions, under polarised conditions participatory interventions may be required to enhance the prospects of listening across difference.The research in this paper is funded by an Australian Research Council (ARC) Grant No. DP150103615

When anger meets joy: how emotions mobilise and sustain the anti-coal seam gas movement in regional Australia

In many countries, the expansion of unconventional gas exploration and development has been met with grassroots resistance; the scale and depth of which has surprised even movement organisers. An often-remarked feature of the movement’s success is the teaming up of farmers and environmental organisers, historically at odds with one another on other environmental issues. This paper explores the role of emotions in building alliances, and mobilising opponents of coal seam gas (CSG) in a particular rural setting in Australia. Drawing on interviews with anti-CSG movement participants, the paper argues that emotions help to explain how the movement has mobilised and sustained alliances despite differences between movement participants. We find that while anger plays a central role in mobilising various anti-CSG actors, it is the combination of anger with joy which helps to sustain the anti-CSG movement in regional Australia. Our analysis reveals three key sites (individuals, within groups, and the public arena) where these emotions are expressed and negotiated, and emphasises the influence of the rural context in this process.This work was supported by the Australian Research Council [Discovery Project Grant DP150103615 - Realising Democracy Amid Communicative Plenty: A Deliberative Systems Approach]