They feel government and conservation organisations to be remote, making decisions in the capital or regional centres for reasons that have nothing to do with local welfare. They do not believe they are capable of changing this. They are still angry and bitter over World Heritage Listing. We feel it is important to address each of these points. Instead to recognise the range of insights, opinions, perspectives, and knowledge within the district, and to see this diversity as a potential source of strength.
Conflict can generate much creativity if handled the right way.
We will also encourage local people to gain a sense of their own power. Even now there is a certain state and national focus on Ravenshoe. If people there got their act together, and began a process of negotiation with all parties, they would receive significant public support and wield significant influence over outcomes. At present they won't, because they don't believe they can. There is scope to further empower the community by initiating a community-based reforestation programme using private land, local skills, local knowledge, existing seedling schemes, and an ethical investment structure.