STRATEGIES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUCCESSFUL GRASSROOTS INITIATIVES

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The research has identified the main strategies that led to achievement and failure of the implementation of sustainable outcomes in each one of the selected Australian case studies. An examination of these strategies proved evidence that similar tactics were used by different projects in the development of their ideas. This observation shows the fundamental existence of common objectives shaping the implementation of sustainable neighbourhood projects from the grassroots initiatives. According to this interpretation, the strategies previously recognised have been organized according to their similarities and presented in thematic groups, associated to administrative, physical, organisational, economic, social, environmental and educational features. Understanding that strategies are tactics used to achieve certain goals, by combining them in thematic groups made possibile the recognition of coincidental objectives associated with the implementation of community-based sustainable neighbourhood projects. These thematic groups and planning objectives are defined as follows:

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24 OBJECTIVE #1: DEFINE A COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE AND CLEAR COMMUNICATION CHANNELS

The study of the community-based project had shown that Communication channels are basic for generating good sustainable outcomes in the governance planning domain. The instauration of good communication channels between community members is basic support for the development of social capital, and the building of communities (Bacon, 2009). The NSCF case study had shown that weaknesses in this area could generate problems in the decision-making process of a grassroots organisations and a slow capacity to implement changes. Therefore, as defined in Table 3, the development of different channels of communication between community members is of high importance; supporting community collaboration and consensus (UNESCO) and increasing the possibilities to avoid problems or react efficiently when they do occur, resulting in more resilient community (Rudlin and Falk, 2009; Hopkins, 2008).

Currumbin Ecovillage offers a good example of alternatives to create communication channels by implementing a community website, supported by a fibre-optic network, to facilitate community coordination. The organisation of residents into different interest groups has also emerged as an opportunity to facilitate coordination, especially in large neighbourhoods. Christie Walk eco-city had included specifications regarding governance and communication channels in its By-laws, defining resident corporations for each group of dwellings, and a primary corporation to discuss issues regarding the whole development. Clear definition of community organisational structures facilitates the coordination between residents and volunteers in the maintenance and improvement of the built environment; favouring the generation of social capital and strengthening their sense of community (Bacon, 2009).

OBJECTIVE#2: ESTABLISHMENT OF PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND CITIZENS

In general, the research has identified the establishment of partnerships between local government and citizens, as one of the most beneficial strategies for the development of community-based sustainable projects. Volunteers have been recognised for playing a fundamental role in the development of these initiatives. Their participation had proved to help in the reduction of construction costs, while generating valuable work in maintenance of the project and the building of a community. Complementary the involvement of local authorities for the successful development of grassroots projects is a fundamental element recognised by different studies (Peterman, 2000; Mansuri & Vijayendra, 2004; Person, 2008). The experience shows that governmental support is key to provide technical and financial resources; while favouring the possibility of generating policy changes and modifications on the local regulatory framework (such as the inclusion of urban farms as an alternative land use for Brisbane’s urban footprint).

By analysing the reviewed case studies, opportunities to favour governmental and citizen involvement can be identified. In the Northey Street City Farm case study, the idea of keeping local authorities and neighbours constantly involved in the project, by informing and inviting them to be part of activities developed by the community, had proved to be a successful method to strengthen partnerships. Workshops, seminars and community consultations processes had also been used in the first stages of the Christie Walk and Currumbin Ecovillage developments, in order to create capacity building between local actors. In relation to volunteer involvement, the implementation of cooperative organisational structures has arisen as a good opportunity to promote citizens’ active participation in the development of sustainable neighbourhood projects.

Related with Figure 5, and as recommended in OCDE (1998) and Mansuri & Vijayendra, (2004), this study confirmed that the generation of planning outcomes such as clear community statues, economic assessments and technical projects are also fundamental to communicate ideas to the wider community, helping in the establishment of local partnerships.

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26 OBJECTIVE #3: ASSURE ECONOMIC RESOURCES

Promotion of a diverse and local economy is a basic feature in the development of sustainable communities. By providing jobs and business opportunities for local residents, mixed land use and diversity of activities are encouraged, helping in the reduction of car dependency (Neal, 2003; Congress for The New Urbanism, 2001; UNHABITAT, 2009) while promoting social interactions (Choguill, 2008). These practices would also support the development of successful urban areas (Rudlin and Falk, 2009). In order to generate diverse local economies, the recognition of the particular strengths of sustainable communities could offer excellent opportunities for the development of these activities.

As the Christie Walk case study showed, the energy efficiency systems associated with sustainable housing could provide an interesting opportunity to generate economic incomes by retrofitting the local power grid. Local food production also opens the possibility to plan for Urban Markets, as showed in NSCF. A common feature between all the case studies is the offering of education for sustainable development business opportunities. However, only NSCF has been fully successful in this area; by defining a staff-team in charge of managing economic activities of the Farm, promoting the generation of both internal and external income.

OBJECTIVE #4: SELECTION OF ACCESSIBLE LOCATION FOR THE PROJECT

The selection of a proper location has also proven to be important in the achievement of good sustainable outcomes. By being well-integrated within existing settlements, new neighbourhood projects can provide their residents with good accessibility to local shops and services, encouraging active transportation opportunities. This strategy promotes a reduction in energy consumption while promoting social relationships (EREC, 2005, Choguill, 2008; Rudlin and Falk, 2009). However, the selection of a good location is not always easy, and as proved by the analysis of case studies, its identification can take extended periods of time. Problems related with the availability of urban land and economic resources for its acquisition appear as main limitations. Urban Ecology Australia for instance had to go through a long process of capacity building, partnership with local actors, and one failed project, before finding a place for the development of Christie Walk. In this case, the involvement of ethical borrowers for the acquisition of the land was fundamental. However, depending on the nature of the project possibilities could emerge. The agricultural nature of Northey Street City Farm facilitated the opportunity of developing the project on a central location, making use of a flood plane next to Enoggera Creek. This example suggest the opportunity of incorporating urban agriculture activities into urban areas by making use of natural hazards land, as a strategy to plan for flood mitigations while promoting sustainable urban practices (Knowd, Mason & Docking, 2006).

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28 OBJECTIVE #5: DESIGN FOR A PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

Careful design of the built environment proved to have strong influences over active transportation behaviours. Its support is related to encouraging physical activities between citizens, promoting a more efficient implementation of public transportation services (O’Meara, 1999; Gause, 2007) and reducing demands over road infrastructure (Engel-Yan ed al., 2005).

The Christie Walk case study offered an excellent example of how architectonic design focused on planning for higher densities, mixed land uses, and incorporating meeting places along the project, can promote the development of a pedestrianly-friendly environment and social relations. Particular opportunities such as the reduction in the total amount of parking spaces and the inclusion of common gardens along the project have helped to promote communal land over private ownership, offering shared recreational activities for residents and invigorating the develop of a strong Sense of Community. In contrast, the study of Currumbin Ecovillage was evidence of how low density developments and the absence of proximal centres with shops and community services can discourage pedestrian mobility, reducing the sustai

nable outcomes of the neighbourhood.

OBJECTIVE# 6: ACHIEVE HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY

The development of more energy efficient dwellings has been related to reductions in the human impact on the natural environment; by demanding less energy and materials for their construction (EREC, 2005). However, it is unquestionable that building for sustainable housing is more economically and technically demanding. It requires careful planning from the beginning, integration of different technical aspects, and the use of non-traditional materials. The case studies have shown that this difficulty could be solved by involving volunteer work to reduce costs (e.g. Christie Walk) or transferring the extra cost of the construction to owners (e.g. Currumbin). Both measures have shown to be successful on their different contexts. It is important to note however, that in the case studies, the successful implementation of these sustainable housing techniques have been directly related to the development of an accurate technical project. In Christie Walk this process was developed openly and collaboratively between the Architect and residents, while Currumbin called a multidisciplinary team lead by the developers to define an internal Building Code to regulate the development of dwellings.

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30 OBJECTIVE #7: BEING A MODEL OF SUSTAINABLE LIVING

In the one hand, contemporary models of growth are promoting high consumption of natural resources, expansion of urban areas and generation of pollution and waste (UN-HABITAT 2009). On the other hand, centralised political systems of government and rigid regulations make it difficult to modify contemporary trends (Turner, 1972; Werlin, 2000). In this context, community-based sustainable projects can offer an alternative model for the development of more sustainable human settlements.

The recommended case studies recognised this need by including in their statues the idea of being a model of sustainable living (Dowton, 2009; Currumbin Ecovillage, 2010; Northey Street City Farm, 2011). In line with this idea educational activities were implemented in each project. Opportunities related to the incorporation of educational centres, tours and educational courses generate sustainable knowledge, as well as economic opportunities. Complementary to these activities existing sustainable neighbourhood projects are also examples of an efficient and natural model of living. However, the research showed that different locations generate different sustainable planning responses. In relation to the promotion of natural environments, a Greenfield and low density development like Currumbin Ecovillage, had proven to be a good opportunity to generate conservation areas. While in the urban areas projects like Christie Walk and NSCF have shown that flood planes and urban gardens offer a successful ways to improve the natural environment, while generating a common activity that promotes social interactions and the building of a sense of community.

As a significant finding, the involvement of volunteers in gardening activities has shown to be extremely effective in the promotion of biodiversity conservation activities and the promotion of education for sustainable development

As a significant finding, the involvement of volunteers in gardening activities has shown to be extremely effective in the promotion of biodiversity conservation activities and the promotion of education for sustainable development

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