Pilot Communities

The National Community Landscape Framework encourages progressive implementation through carefully planned Pilot Communities. Pilot projects provide an opportunity to evaluate practical application, identify opportunities for improvement and strengthen future implementation before broader adoption. Rather than attempting large-scale implementation from the outset, the Framework supports a measured approach based upon practical experience, community participation and continuous learning.

Purpose

Pilot Communities are intended to demonstrate how the National Community Landscape Framework can be adapted to different environmental conditions, community priorities and governance arrangements. Each pilot contributes valuable knowledge that strengthens future Community Landscape projects and future editions of the Framework.

Objectives of Pilot Communities

Practical Learning

Evaluate how Community Landscape principles perform under real community conditions while identifying opportunities for improvement.

Community Participation

Encourage collaboration between residents, councils, schools, organisations and local businesses while strengthening community ownership.

Evidence Collection

Gather practical information relating to environmental outcomes, community participation, stewardship, resource recovery and long-term resilience.

Framework Development

Use lessons learned to strengthen future Community Landscape projects and support continuous refinement of the National Community Landscape Framework.

Pilot Community Principles

  • Begin with manageable projects appropriate to local capacity.
  • Respect existing community priorities and public land uses.
  • Encourage broad community participation.
  • Monitor outcomes using practical indicators.
  • Share lessons learned with other participating communities.
  • Progressively expand only where supported by evidence and community experience.

Continuous Improvement

Pilot Communities are not expected to demonstrate perfection. Their purpose is to identify practical successes, challenges and opportunities for improvement. Experience gained through pilot implementation should contribute to future planning, improved Standards and the ongoing evolution of the National Community Landscape Framework.

Building a Community of Practice

As additional Pilot Communities are established, participating councils and organisations are encouraged to share knowledge, practical experience and innovative approaches. Over time, this collaborative network may contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting healthier, greener and more resilient communities.

Pilot Communities represent the first practical step towards long-term implementation. By starting small, learning continuously and expanding responsibly, communities can develop Community Landscape projects that remain sustainable, adaptable and valuable for future generations.

Guide Principle

Pilot Communities should be regarded as learning environments that strengthen the National Community Landscape Framework through practical experience, collaboration, evidence-informed improvement and responsible long-term development.

Framework Documents

The following documents collectively support the National Community Landscape Framework. While each document may be read independently, together they provide a comprehensive framework for strengthening healthier, greener and more resilient communities.