Social Baseline Study

Summary and scope

The Department of Resources is seeking a suitably skilled and qualified supplier to gather data from the Julia Creek / Richmond region to establish an environment and social baselining workstream. The social baseline needs to be able to be used by government and industry to undertake social and cumulative impacts assessments for critical mineral projects proposed in the region and as required by the Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Act 2017. Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is the process for identification, analysis, assessment, management and monitoring of the potential social impacts of a project, both positive and negative. The social impacts of a project are the direct and indirect impacts that affect people and their communities during all stages of the project lifecycle. Clear baseline information is critical in determining the potential impacts (challenges and opportunities) that new projects/industry will bring to the region. Key matters that must be addressed under a SIA include: • community and stakeholder engagement • workforce management • housing and accommodation • local business and industry procurement • education, health and community well-being. Establishing a regional social baseline is intended to provide a strategic point of reference, and efficiency for proponents and stakeholders. The baseline study is intended to identify strategic issues that would inform propose actions to resolve common regional issues, potential cumulative impacts, and other constraints to enable efficient development of industry in the region. The ultimate outcome is to ensure local communities in the region benefit from the construction and operation of these critical mineral projects or other projects associated with the growth of the critical minerals sector.