Case Study

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Department of Tourism and Culture Casuarina Coastal Reserve Consultation

Darwinites have enjoyed sipping champagne, barbecuing barra and watching wildlife at Casuarina Coastal Reserve for many years, but does the much loved hotspot have untapped commercial potential – True North was tasked to find out.

ProjectRecent development of Casuarina Coastal Reserve prompted interest from small business operators wanting to establish small-scale commercial activity in the area.

The Department of Tourism and Culture engaged True North Strategic Communication to consult with stakeholders and residents around Casuarina Coastal Reserve to find out whether the community would support or oppose temporary ‘pop-up’ style enterprises in the Reserve.

A consultation strategy guided our engagement with stakeholders, residents and the broader community. We prepared and distributed a fact sheet which provided the information needed for people to participate in the consultation in an informed way. We also met with stakeholders and community groups and held information displays at the Dripstone Cliffs Picnic Area. The online survey generated 266 responses.

ChallengesSometimes it can be difficult to engage with the community in a meaningful way to get useful feedback. At the time, there were a number of other projects being consulted on with local stakeholders and the community. This can make it challenging to develop a strategy that feels relevant and interesting to participate in.

ApproachTo address these challenges, we kept our approach flexible and encouraged participation through the quick online survey and met stakeholders where and when suited them, including in their own homes and in groups. We positioned our information display on site at busy times and engaged with people on their own terms.

Outcome A mix of responses were received to the proposition of small-scale commercial activity in Casuarina Coastal Reserve. Some stakeholders and residents felt as though the Reserve’s environmental values needed protection, the green belt should be preserved and the people who go there do so to observe nature and enjoy the open space.

The strongest response however, was conditional support. Those in support believed temporary ‘pop up’ businesses will have lower impact and their introduction to the Reserve would enhance their experience. This support was conditional on the basis that some form of regulation is established to mitigate impacts and protect values.

A report was prepared for the Department of Tourism and Culture outlining the feedback received including the concerns and values of stakeholders, residents and the wider community.

A number of recommendations were made, the most significant being that a framework be developed for the introduction of small-scale commercial activity in the Reserve. This framework could define the type of small-scale commercial activities allowed, and include a set of rules that businesses must adhere to.

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