Action item 12.18

Progress

100%

Complete.
Approved by decision makers.
Recommendation implemented.

That gas companies must develop and implement a social impact management plan for communities, detailing how they will optimise the relationship with a community prior to the grant of any production approvals.

This plan should be developed in consultation with all landholders, Land Councils and local government to ensure that it meets community needs. The regulator must consent to the plan prior to the grant of any production approvals.

Target completion date

Completed

Reform area
Respecting community and culture
Project action
Managing social and cultural impacts
Lead agency
Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security
Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet

Action item update

Implementation

Industry will be responsible for negotiating local and regional support for their activities.

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’ 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.