Using focus groups to design a choice modelling questionnaire for estimating natural resource management benefits in NSW

In this study, focus group discussions were used to design a choice modelling (CM) questionnaire to estimate community wide values for the environmental and social benefits provided by natural resource management changes in the Namoi, Lachlan and Hawkesbury-Nepean catchments. This report describes the logistics of the focus groups and outlines the main conclusions drawn from the discussions. The research team conducted eight focus groups in the main urban areas of the regions where the CM survey will be conducted (Tamworth, Cowra, Goulburn and Sydney). How the CM questionnaire was developed with focus group participant input is also discussed in the report. The focus group meetings resulted in a draft questionnaire to be refined in consultation with scientists, managers and policy makers.