AbstractExperience in Australia has demonstrated that problems arise when sustainability requirements appear to conflict with individual development rights or local lifestyles. Community partnering between government and the public is therefore of fundamental importance in working towards sustainable development. Unfortunately genuine partnering is only rarely achieved today, and consultation is a poor working alternative.Research at Sutherland Shire Council has concluded that citizens are prepared to undertake genuine partnering, including personal involvement in understanding and initiating lifestyle changes. However such willingness is subject to being provided with adequate information and with a genuine government commitment to take action.The paper describes a local environmental risk assessment procedure which successfully informs citizens about local risks and which demonstrates government commitment to openness and facts-based sustainability planning.
Outcome of the public consultation on the draft Scientific Opinion on the evaluation of existing guidelines for their adequacy for the microbial characterisation and environmental risk assessment of micro‐organisms obtained through synthetic biology
