Public participation in the governance of metropolitan scale climate adaptation: panacea or problem?

Abstract

This chapter talks about the importance of greater public participation and community engagement in broader processes of metropolitan governance. It traces their application in processes of climate change adaptation planning in a metropolitan region of Australia. Drawing on case study research undertaken in various locations in South East Queensland, the chapter explores how broad commitments to the principles of participation and engagement have been translated into specific strategies. It assesses the impact and effectiveness of these plans and policies, drawing in part on an analytical framework that involves three elements: the selection of participants; the terms on which they are engaged in collaborative planning and policy‐making processes; and the scale or extent of the planning exercise in question. The chapter concludes by recommending an approach to designing effective participation and engagement processes that draws on the three elements of the analytical framework described.