Nicholas, Christopher (2016) Attitudes towards mining, inbound LDC and the structure of social capital in Kalgoorlie - Boulder. Report. James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

[Extract] The aim of this report is to demonstrate resident attitudes to mining and LDC and describe the structure of social capital in Kalgoorlie – Boulder. Mining LDC only constituted 37% of the total LDC workforce, highlighting the need to separate mining and LDC impacts. When separated from LDC, mining contributions were viewed positively by respondents. These could be attributed to the Royalties for Regions program that reinvests mining royalties into regional WA. LDC attitudes were negative; there is evidence of emotional fatigue in Kalgoorlie - Boulder with residents hesitant to start new friendships with LDC workers. Furthermore, LDC contributions to the community were viewed as below par creating the impression of a hollow economy.

Social networks were present among respondent's friends, families and work colleagues, and to a lesser extent neighbours. Neighbourhood connections (bonding social capital) were lacking suggesting respondents may be feeling isolated in their neighbourhoods. Connections with the residents of Kalgoorlie – Boulder (bridging social capital) were positive with strong senses of attachment to the community and a diversity of social networks. The Kalgoorlie – Boulder community had – aside from the police and local council – there was little trust in the state parliament to balance the needs of industry and residents (linking social capital).

Respondents were mixed in their opinions of the ability of Kalgoorlie – Boulder to adapt to the future. They want to see Kalgoorlie – Boulder grow in the future but need to be convinced of governments, in particular, state government's ability to achieve it.

Item ID:	46526
Item Type:	Report (Report)
Date Deposited:	13 Dec 2016 23:39
FoR Codes:	14 ECONOMICS > 1402 Applied Economics > 140218 Urban and Regional Economics @ 35% 16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1604 Human Geography > 160401 Economic Geography @ 30% 16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1604 Human Geography > 160403 Social and Cultural Geography @ 35%
SEO Codes:	91 ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK > 9102 Microeconomics > 910208 Micro Labour Market Issues @ 50% 91 ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK > 9102 Microeconomics > 910209 Preference, Behaviour and Welfare @ 50%
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