Byron Shire Council commissioned a citizens' panel for community input about tourism to inform its 10-year Sustainable Visitation Strategy.
Problems and Purpose
Participants were asked to respond to the question "What actions can Council take to align visitor behaviour with community values?" [1]
Background History and Context
Organizing, Supporting, and Funding Entities
The process was initiated and funded by Byron Shire Council and delivered with the help of consulting company RPS Group. [2]
Participant Recruitment and Selection
26 participants took part in the panel and were recruited through random stratified sampling. Participants were presented with stipends at the end of the deliberation for taking part. [3] & [4]
Methods and Tools Used
Citizens' panel
What Went On: Process, Interaction, and Participation
Participants met for three Saturdays across May and June 2019.
The first Saturday began with a site visit to key tourist spots in Byron. The day also involved getting to know each other and some introductory sessions about the process. It also involved going over the results from prior community engagement processes (Kitchen Table Discussions and community feedback) which were held to inform the deliberation. The day ended with preparations for the following meeting.
The second Saturday involved discussions about critical thinking before moving onto expert presentations and Q and As. Participants were then asked to draft some initial solutions.
The third and final Saturday was devoted to finalising and presenting the solutions, as well as developing an action plan. [5]
Influence, Outcomes, and Effects
Recommendations from the community panel informed the Sustainable Visitation Strategy for Byron Bay. [6]
Analysis and Lessons Learned
See Also
References
[1] Byron Shire Council (2019) Byron Shire Sustainable Visitation Strategy: Community Solutions Panel Briefing Book. Accessed at: https://www.destinationbyron.com.au/the-byron-shire-sustainable-visitation-strategy-2020-2030-community-solutions-panel-briefing-book/
[2] Byron Shire Council (2020) Byron Shire Sustainable Visitation Strategy 2020-2030. Accessed at: https://www.destinationbyron.com.au/sustainable-visitation-strategy-report/
[3] Ibid.
[4] Byron Shire Council (2019) Byron Shire Sustainable Visitation Strategy: Community Solutions Panel Briefing Book. Accessed at: https://www.destinationbyron.com.au/the-byron-shire-sustainable-visitation-strategy-2020-2030-community-solutions-panel-briefing-book/
[5] Ibid.
[6] Byron Shire Council (2019) Byron Shire Sustainable Visitation Strategy: Community Solutions Panel Briefing Book. Accessed at: https://www.destinationbyron.com.au/the-byron-shire-sustainable-visitation-strategy-2020-2030-community-solutions-panel-briefing-book/