Planning must be longer focused than government mandates. Expense monies must go hand in hand with labor monies. Recognition of the value of volunteer resources through tax rebates or concessions could assist community development. Child care and transportation costs need to be covered for volunteers to enable them to undertake community development activities. Government needs to allow adequate time for community debates and elected officials need to meet rural groups more regularly and become more aware of input.
Government needs to actively listen.
People from all levels of government need to be educated to the needs of rural areas by attending rural meetings. They need to visit communities more. They need to make people aware of programs and services that are available. Public forums are necessary. One suggestion that was put forth by one group.