Conflict over clean water results in successful community capacity building

John Craven, a community activist who enabled a NSW north coast community to reach a positive resolution on a potentially explosive development.

Nominated by the Goonengerry Landcare Group, John assisted the group and other community members who were objecting to planned waste-water management for a residential development near the headwaters of Tibian Creek. John provided training in mediation and conflict resolution that enabled the Goonengerry Landcare Group to successfully negotiate with the developers.

The Group went on to welcome the developers into the community and help them resolve their waste-water management problems. 'The property has become a demonstration model available for inspection by the public and a venue for further education,' John says.

The financial support of the Community Fellowship will allow John to produce a CD-ROM relating the story of the Goonengerry Landcare Group and the Tibian Creek development, including detailed information of the important lessons for communities and blueprints for action. It will also include information on waste-water system design. The CD will be distributed to Landcare and other community groups, and Community Legal Services.