Beyond a ‘good thing’: political interests and the meaning of Landcare

摘要: [Extract] If any one question plagues those who seek to evaluate or comment on Landcare - not mention attempting initiate groups programs it is the seemingly innocuous of just what is. Even most cursory perusal documentation will reveal at least two things; firstly, that term 'Landcare' means many things people; and secondly, idea closely related other concepts projects. we look solely this edition Rural Society, for instance, find examined as a government program by Curtis De Lacy; form extension information system Carr; enacting governance Martin; network community groups, supporting institutions, Campbell. Further, paper Ritchie shows concept has travelled across Tasman, but changed even further along way. The might ask whether dilemmas diversity poses professional evaluators work best with clear goals criteria are consequence anybody else. Contemplating meaning no doubt seems esoteric people life; an interesting puzzle over late night good bottle wine, somehow remote from day-to-day projects issues which confront their lives. Indeed, six years into Decade may well conclude time pondering meanings truly if make indelible mark our landscape turn century. It could, hand, be argued need some sort common understanding about so all 'pull in same direction', aligning individual communal satisfy agreed upon notion good. Listening some, conclude, somewhat paradoxically, suspend discussion case ensuing debate threatens consensus already have, extends little beyond banal observation is, without doubt, 'a thing'. All above positions obscure real, legitimate, differences interests participants Landcare, consequently importance position taking practices associated discourses. Some 'battles' fairly obvious have been discussed numerous authors. Others less clear, require us think more relationships between social cultural change generally. This begin brief outline theoretical perspective informs analysis. fieldwork based was conducted through 1993 1994, involved range methods aimed towards ethnographic research problem, namely, both open-ended structured interviews, participant observation. These were deployed context study Local Government Area mixed cropping/grazing zone south west NSW, involvement wider 'Landcare community'. They undertaken part PhD completed shortly.