1. Key Drivers Accelerating pace and unpredictability of change
Adverse economic, social and environmental impacts of either change itself, or lack of an effective, inclusive response
Apparent inability of governments to cope
Consequent loss of trust/faith in public institutions
Growing realisation that much more can and should be done at the local/community level

2. Localist principles for change
Embrace the future and take informed risks when necessary
Learn how to be ‘community led’, making space for local action
Deepen council’s understanding of its communities, responding to diversity
Empower citizens through participatory and deliberative democracy, applying a range of mechanisms
Promote local networks and co-production of goods and services
Embrace new ways of (place-based) working to implement joined- up planning and services
Forge more local and regional partnerships to drive change

3. Pathways to success Moore’s Strategic Triangle
Hambleton’s Place-Based Leadership

4. First steps Review council’s current approach to community leadership
Adopt a decentralised, place-based model for local governance, including devolved decision-making
Commit to collaboration – with other councils, State and Federal governments, business and civil society organisations
Invite citizens to become partners in framing a ‘New Story’
‘Map’ the energy and resources of local groups and networks (Asset- Based Community Development)
Work with local communities to develop action plans that address their differing needs and opportunities
Establish regional and national networks to share experience

5. Pie-in-the-sky? Certainly different, but increasingly common practice
Actually in local government’s best interests:
Community support and democratic legitimacy
Additional resources
Comparative advantage in the system of government
More ‘experimentation’ needed to:
‘Road test’ different techniques
Identify what works best in different circumstances
Formulate a coherent localist agenda
Watch this space for opportunities to get involved!