Empowerment of local government through planning for sustainability

Hilary Kuhn (BA (Hons) Political Science) completed the postgraduate degree (MAdmin (Tourism)) at James Cook University (Australia) with the research thesis titled "Ecologically sustainable development (ESD) in tourism and the empowerment of local government through planning policy". Based on a triangulation of data through qualitative and quantitative analyses, the thesis examines closely the implementation of planning policy at a local government level in tropical Australia. Criteria for assessment highlight salient principles and practices of ecologically sustainable development in tourism. The focus on transformational change is exemplified by analysis of entrepreneurs or advocates for ecologically sustainable development which is described as transformational leadership. Hilary continues to work as a Consultant to public and private sector projects to implement ecologically sustainable development in tourism.