Evaluating collaborative planning: Implications from an empirical analysis of growth management

Abstract

Collaborative planning is increasingly being advocated as a new paradigm because it generates commitment to commonly accepted objectives and fosters commitment to implementation. However, the long-term effects of implementation are seldom evaluated. In South East Queensland, Australia, a collaborative planning approach was used to manage regional growth. Based on six local government case studies, this research evaluates the consensus process and assesses the long-term implementation effects. I also evaluate the outputs of the collaborative planning process to reflect on its role in implementation. By adapting a policy implementation framework for the collaborative planning setting, I expound on the commonly cited criteria of a high-quality agreement and a structured approach to implementation.