The community development approach can be, and is, used in many kinds of communities with similar benefits accruing and so provides a transferable model regardless of the socio-economic situation of a community or organisation. It includes trust, co-operative behaviour, helpful networks, and willingness to give and take and to participate in issues of common concern. It is generated by voluntary association and cannot be bought or sold, only shared. In efforts to build social capacity in rural communities, local organisations may struggle to work past blocks and obstacles that inhibit development. Isolation and distance can limit the amount of participation people contribute.
Sustainable development requires time, long term investment, and is relatively expensive.
Economic development traditions and definitions prevail. The traditional role of local government is often still seen as rates, roads and rubbish. Ideas of pastoral communities may continue to dominate to the exclusion of other rural participants. Government restructuring and withdrawal of services to rural communities has created a sense of distrust and cynicism of all political processes. Facilitation is creating a space where full cooperation between all people is both possible and desirable.