Social, Cultural and Economic SREBA Studies on-country engagement

The Strategic Regional Environmental and Baseline Assessment (SREBA) Social, Cultural and Economic Study (SCE Study) is a key recommendation from the Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing in the Northern Territory. The Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet contracted University of Queensland (UQ) to undertake the SCE SREBA study.

An Aboriginal Knowledge Protocol PDF (708.8 KB), drafted in consultation with local Aboriginal interest and representative organisations, outlines principles for engagement and the sharing of Aboriginal knowledge and is in place to guide and help build cooperative relationships and trust between UQ researchers and contractors, and Aboriginal participants in the study. Also available in plain English, the Protocol remains a ‘living’ document that UQ will revise and improve as required.

During April 2022, UQ consulted in Katherine and Tennant Creek as well as online with stakeholders about data collection and data gaps for community profiles in the Beetaloo region.

UQ commenced on-country engagement in May with an initial visit to Borroloola. In June the team visited communities between Katherine and Minyerri. With assistance from local anthropologists, community leaders and the Northern Land Council, researchers spoke with community members and community group representatives. UQ collected data and narratives about important socio-economic and cultural attributes and heard perspectives of what it is like living in the region.

Future engagement is planned with communities and pastoralists across the Beetaloo in June and July 2022. UQ is ensuring a flexible approach to engagement and is operating with high COVID-19 precaution, including rapid testing before and during community visits.

If you would like to speak with the UQ team please contact sce-sreba@uq.edu.au.