Action item 12.11
Progress
Complete.
Approved by decision makers.
Recommendation implemented.
That gas companies be required to work closely with all levels of government, Land Councils and local communities early in any onshore shale gas development project to quantify the potential impacts on health and educational services and ensure steps to mitigate adverse impacts are implemented.
Completed
Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet
Action item update
Implementation
Information regarding impacts on health and educational services is to be provided by proponents in their environment management plans (EMPs) for production activities for assessment and to inform environmental approval decisions.
Project-specific Social Impact Assessment
Social impact assessments (SIAs) may be required as part of EMP approvals under the Petroleum (Environment) Regulations 2016, and for proposals assessed by the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority under the Environment Protection Act 2019.
The ‘EMP Content Guideline – Onshore Petroleum Regulated Activities’ (on the DEPWS website) was revised in late 2022 to clarify SIA and social impact management plan requirements. Guidance prepared under the Petroleum (Environment) Regulations 2016 and Environment Protection Act 2019 will support industry proponents in undertaking SIAs when required by legislation.