1. VCE Outdoor & Environmental Studies Unit 4 – Methods used to influence decisions over the use of natural environments

2. Methods used to influence decisions
Introduction
When a conflict occurs over use of a natural environment, it is the responsibility of governments to make decisions and create laws regarding the use of the natural environment
The government could be federal (Australia), State (Victoria) or Local (Mornington Peninsula Shire) depending on the environment in conflict
Members of governments are elected to represent the community, so community members can apply pressure to influence their decisions
Interest groups and individuals adopt a range of methods to influence the decision making process

3. 4.2.2 – Methods used to influence decisions
Work
Summarise 2 conflicts of interest:
Case Study ‘The Franklin River
Case study Cattle crazing in The Alpine National Park
Know table ‘Methods for influencing decision-making processes’

4. 4.2.2 – Methods used to influence decisions
Strategy
Explanation
Advantages
Disadvantages
Lobbying
Direct contact with those making decisions or their representatives
Conducted directly by individual/interest group
Ensures decision makers have clear understanding of your position
Can be difficult to access decision makers
Time consuming
Letters and Petitions
Letters sent to newspapers or decision makers Petitions signed by many and sent to decision makers
Hand written letters show high level of commitment
Letters to newspapers often published and inform the public/generate support
Good way to get media attention on small issues in community newspapers
Petitions easy to conduct and gain a lot of support
Pre-pared letters and petitions have little impact as they require minimal effort from those involved
People sign petitions with little knowledge about issue so petition has little impact unless numbers are high

5. 4.2.2 – Methods used to influence decisions
Strategy
Explanation
Advantages
Disadvantages
Use of Media
Using media to promote position through interviews, newspapers, on the news or advertising
Get clear message and information to a large number of people
Interviews hard to organise
Advertising is very expensive
Telephone Calls
To politicians or companies
A more personal impact
Many calls can disrupt a company can encourage a compromise if profits are affected
Time consuming
Requires large number of people to make an impact
Forming Partnership
Partnerships between groups aiming to achieve a similar outcome on the issue
Greater number of people supporting a position
Greater resources pooled to influence decision
Gives arguments/positions increased public credibility when there is diversity of groups involved
Different groups may need to compromise on some issues or strategies
Wide number of groups with different agendas may become different to coordinate

6. 4.2.2 – Methods used to influence decisions
Strategy
Explanation
Advantages
Disadvantages
Gathering own evidence / Presenting reports
Scientific or social reports gathered to provide evidence for an interest group’s position
Provides credibility to group’s position
Arguments for position can be clearly understood
Time consuming and expensive
Opposing groups/companies may gather opposing evidence negating your work
Use of prominent people
Groups seek support from well known people in the community
Media attention raises profile of group’s position
May be argued that prominent person has little understanding of the issue
Meetings and Information Evenings
Take issue to community to engage individuals and gather support
Members of wider community are able to ask questions and become better informed
Shows level of support on the issue
Time consuming to organise
Often poorly attended

7. Use of Prominent People
We talk to people!! A lot of people. And this year we’ll be taking a very simple message to the people of Victoria....