On the Social Sustainability of Development in Western Australia: A Community Perspective

Abstract

This chapter addresses resource development in Western Australia from a social sustainability perspective. It will be shown, based on the experiences of members of a small community, that the benefits assumed to result from economic development in the name of progress and regional sustainability can fail to result in wealth and health for local people. The problems identified here serve as prompts for critical reflection on the purpose of development, and the requisite balancing of community and industry interests. An engagement with the social sustainability agenda in Western Australia is called for in light of the state’s very rapid development path and the growing potential for conflict with its intended beneficiaries.