The third Sector's role and influence in addressing local environmental issues in Perth, Western Australia

Abstract

The position of the third sector in fulfilling collective environmental aspirations has been strengthening in Australia, at least partially due to the growing number of Environmental Community Organisations (ECOs). ECOs play an important role in the ongoing stewardship of the natural environment; their duties range from managing local nature reserves to mounting public campaigns in order to curtail further environmental degradation. However, apart from being labelled as an 'interest organisations', ECOs in general have slipped under the radar of third sector research in Australia. This paper responds to this gap by reporting on one aspect of a 2008 survey of ECOs undertaken to develop a broader understanding of the linkages between organisational social capital and information and communication technologies for strengthening environmental stewardship in Western Australia (WA). In this paper, the characteristics, contributions and challenges of eighty-one ECOs operating in the Perth region of WA are explored. Based on analysis of survey responses and interviews, this paper contends that the contributions of ECOs in the Perth region highlight the extent of the third sector's role and influence in addressing existing and emerging environmental issues.