ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the aspirations of people living in rural communities. It provides insights into the way people living in rural communities envisage their future and their perceptions of decision-making processes on issues that concern their livelihoods and future security. The chapter provides a background context for rural and regional Australia. It describes the complexity and change inherent in rural Australia and how differing perspectives have formed in response to government programmes and changing conditions. The chapter presents the narratives and perspectives of people living in rural communities. Ideas for a vision include environmental stewardship, maintaining family and community culture, engagement and working well together between city-based agencies and people in rural areas, decision-making based on transparency, and trust and a real understanding of the issues. A catchment officer described changes in the Catchment Management Authority which would improve community engagement.
