The changing face of regional governance for economic development: Implications for local government

Abstract

Governments and community alike are increasingly advocating regional approaches to public policy problems. A new regional policy framework has been widely advocated which aims to deal with global pressures, rapid technological advances, increasing productivity growth from commodity sectors, and the need to ensure sustainable development. The interpretation of sustainable development has expanded to encompass economic vitality, social cohesion and environmental integrity. This has been accompanied by a global trend in government of devolving specific decision-making closer to its source or context and an emphasis on developing partnerships, strategic alliances and broader consultation with those who are likely to experience impacts from decisions. Local government’s role has significantly changed with the growing significance of regional level issues in economic development and resource management driving changing structures of regional governance in most states. Local government is emerging as a key player in these emerging regional arrangements. In suggesting ways forward for local government to better engage in regional governance arrangements it is vital to remember that regional governance is a multi-dimensional change response system. The legislative responsibilities, and varied planning arrangements guiding the social provisioning and economic development initiatives need to combine in a way which enables effective and adaptive regional governance arrangements. Drawing on the findings of a study of healthy regional planning systems and using a case study of the Central Highlands of Queensland, the paper concludes this requires strategic long-term investment in three core elements: appropriate institutional arrangements, individual and collective capacity building to negotiate and effective resourcing