This RAI policy brief explores current approaches involving local communities in resource development processes. It argues that effective local action is the most important driver of success in capturing local benefits from resource projects. The brief advocates for a revision of current processes, suggesting that an alternative approach, separate to environmental approvals processes, could achieve...

Deforestation of Scotland began millennia ago and by the early 20th century woodland cover was down to about 6 per cent of the total land area. A century later woodland cover had tripled. Most of the newly established forestry plantations were created on elevated land with wet peaty soils and high wind exposure, not exactly...

Agriculture, in its business-as-usual mode, is by nature very adaptive. Climate change presents both challenges (biosecurity threats, reduced productivity) and opportunities (business diversity, new crop types and varieties) for the industry. Key needs to support future adaptation include: Education and extension – especially in the form of on-ground practitioner assistance - and maintenance of industry...

Since the beginning of the mining boom Australia’s rural sector has lost $61.5 billion in export income. This includes $18.9 billion in 2011-12 alone. These losses have occurred because the mining boom has forced the Australian dollar to historic highs.

The objective of the audit was to examine the effectiveness of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s administration of the Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement Contractors Voluntary Exit Grants Program. The audit assessed whether the department had: effectively designed the program; appropriate processes for assessing and approving grant applications received for program funding; effectively negotiated...