Action item 12.19
Progress
Complete.
Approved by decision makers.
Recommendation implemented.
That gas companies be required to develop a social impact management plan that outlines how they intend to develop, obtain and maintain their SLO within communities. This must be developed in conjunction with any SIA, and should be implemented prior to the grant of any further production approvals, to ensure that any potential changes can be identified in advance to allow communities time to adapt and prepare for the changes.
Completed
Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet
Action item update
Implementation
Industry will be responsible for negotiating local and regional support for their activities.
Government will work with industry in areas where the industry moves into the production phase to ensure that these communities have access to information on the impact of industry development on their communities, opportunities to participate in ongoing monitoring, and appropriate arrangements to raise concerns and opportunities to improve local outcomes.
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.