Community facilities, community building and local government: an Australian perspective

This paper aims to examine the connections between community and community facilities, and the implications for local government facility management. In addition to cited published literature, the paper draws on archival and case study research and interviews with local government managers and local residents conducted by the author. The financing, planning and management of community facilities has emerged as a major public policy issue in Australia in recent years as assets acquired in the post-World War II years of growth and decentralisation age, service needs widen and local governments experience fiscal stress. During this period, awareness of the limits of state provision and market individualism has brought renewed focus on community, and policy outputs, particularly at local government level, are increasingly framed around community strengthening. The research focus is Victoria, Australia. The paper identifies key strategic issues for facility planners and managers involved in regeneration projects.