Social, Cultural and Economic SREBA Studies Scope of Works approved by Minister for Environment

The Strategic Regional Environmental and Baseline Assessment (SREBA) Social, Cultural and Economic Study (SCE Study) was a key recommendation from the Hydraulic Fracturing Independent Inquiry. It is an important piece of work that continues to be a priority for Government as implementation of remaining recommendations progresses.

During 2021, The University of Queensland (UQ) met with local organisations in Darwin and Katherine to develop a Scope of Works (SoW) for the SCE Study. The design of the SoW was then approved by UQs accredited Human Research Ethics Committee to ensure that the project is conducted properly and remains independent.

Approximately 40 key stakeholder groups, including land councils, Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority, NT Government departments, regional councils, industry and business organisations, Native Title holders, pastoralists, interest and environment groups were engaged in the development of the SoW regarding boundaries, draft indicators and themes, data collection and engagement preferences.

The SoW has been approved by the Minister for the Environment.

As outlined in the SoW, the SCE Studies will incorporate on-country engagement and appropriate participatory methods informed by stakeholder engagement to establish baseline data and then bring together information from the baseline studies to inform the strategic regional assessment.

UQ will now formally commence engagement as part of Stage 2 of this project in the Beetaloo region. Engagement will take place where possible, noting this will require a flexible approach due to COVID-19 restrictions and with the wishes and safety of the communities in mind. Where it is not possible to meet with people and organisations in person, meetings will be held online or once it is safe to travel.

Upon finalisation, the SCE Study will complete ten recommendations from the Hydraulic Fracturing Inquiry.

Find the SCE Study SoW and a summarised fact sheet about the Study here.