Using Rural Proofing
The 7 steps to Rural Proofing
Use Rural Proofing to:
- identify any particular implications of your policy for the rural community (rural people or rural businesses);
- take into account any significant differences between rural and urban communities.
You will have successfully implemented Rural Proofing when you have considered the implications for the rural community as an integral part of your policy development processes. Rural Proofing should be used early in the policy process, not as a checklist at the end.
The steps to take
- Confirm your policy objectives: What are the objectives of your proposed policy? What is the problem? What are the intended outcomes? What is your proposed method of delivery?
- Identify the positive and negative implications of your policy for the rural community using the Implications Checklist. Think about whether rural people and businesses can access infrastructure or services, and the quality and cost of access if they can.
- Seek advice from organisations that operate within the rural community or represent rural businesses. This step is particularly important if you are unsure about your answers to Step 2 or Step 4 or if you are undertaking consultation. Some useful contacts are listed. Local Councils can also be a useful source of local information.
- Assess the significance of the implications: Are they significantly different for the rural community than for the urban community?
- Use the Mitigation Measures list to identify options for achieving your policy objectives and maximising the positive implications for the rural community.
- Amend your policy, consultation processes or implementation plans where mitigation measures are practicable.
- Identify unresolved implications and inform relevant ministers and departments.
Contact for EnquiriesRural Affairs Coordinator |
Attend a seminar or event (Government agencies) |
