Happyvale is a medium size regional town with a population of some 20 000 people. The town is relatively diverse in its socio-economic make-up. There are two state high schools, a small catholic college, a small TAFE college and five primary schools of various sizes (three state, two catholic).

The town was established about 20 years ago, as a joint project between the state government and a major chemical company that has invested a great deal of money in the area. It was encouraged to locate here by attractive tax incentives from the government. Many families work for the chemical company in some capacity or other, or in small businesses providing support to the town people. Some Happyvale people also hold small farm leases from the chemical company, supplementing their income by growing food and running small herds of cattle. Consequently, the company has considerable influence in the community, not only with the workers it employs, but also with local businesses as well as the Happvale town council.

You are part of a small local community group that acts on issues affecting people in Happyvale, particularly as they relate to the environment. Your community group has recently developed relationships with a number of volunteer bodies in the town.

For the last month or so on your early morning run, you have seen trucks from the chemical company dumping liquid waste in the local creek which backs on to a parkland, a popular play and recreational area for children and families. You suspect the waste might be toxic as birdlife in the area has declined recently and you have noticed dead fish on the creek-bed. Your neighbour, a school teacher, told you many students who had visited the parkland-creek area recently were reporting that they were ill.

You decide that something must be done to investigate the situation. Should your concerns about the actions of the chemical company be verified, you are committed to mounting a campaign to address these.