"Social impact
assessment of
resource projects", International Mining for Development Centre (Franks D., 2012).
The social performance of resource projects has attracted greater attention and scrutiny
from communities, governments and increasingly mineral and energy companies in recent
times. How the costs and benefits of resource development are distributed can have
an enormous influence on the success of projects and this realisation has led to
a strengthening of government and corporate policy with regard to social impact
assessment (SIA), social responsibility and community relations.
The paper describes aspects of the legislative and policy
framework for the assessment and management of the social
impacts of resource projects in Australia. Australian state
governments have adopted varied approaches to the assessment
and management of social impacts. The paper does not attempt
to provide a comprehensive review of SIA policy in Australia, nor
should it be used as a guide to the jurisdictional requirements.
Instead the paper highlights the leading practice initiatives that
have improved outcomes for the communities and social groups
impacted by projects.
The paper begins with an outline of the social issues associated
with resource development and an explanation of SIA and its
importance. A range of case studies of initiatives and policies
adopted by governments in Australia are summarised.
