Community values and attitudes towards land use on the Gnangara Groundwater System: A Sense of Place study in Perth, Western Australia

Abstract

Climate change is exacerbating an ever increasing demand on Perth's traditional water sources. One of these water sources is the Gnangara Groundwater System (GGS). Land uses above the Groundwater System directly affects water infiltration and subsequent aquifer recharge and, as such, need to be carefully considered to ensure future water supply security for Perth. Community acceptance has been demonstrated to be an integral component of effective land use planning. The psychological concept of Sense of Place (incorporating the notions of identity, attachment and dependence) can be used to predict intention to accept or reject land use planning decisions. Results from a Sense of Place study indicated that three distinct constructs emerge, which are the cognitive, emotional and behavioural bonds with places on the GGS. Sense of Place is not limited to only people who live in the GGS area but to all Perth people. Findings from this study defy the traditional assumption that Sense of Place is dependant to some extent on proximity to the location. The policy implication is that social boundaries can extend beyond geographical or management boundaries of a place.