Early community engagement provides a strong foundation for developing trust—a case study

Abstract

The early stages of onshore gas development involve real and perceived uncertainty, each stimulating community demand for information and engagement with decision makers in government and industry. In response to this demand, the Department of Mines and Petroleum, APPEA, and CSIRO jointly hosted a workshop in Dongara in October 2012. Its purpose was to inform government and industry about community expectations for information provision and community engagement. Insights were gained by asking participants five main questions: What are your concerns and interests about onshore gas development? What are the issues that are important to you? How would you like to get information about issues of concern? How and with whom would you like to engage to identify future needs? What support would that require? The community articulated its demand for more information about the concerns and interests identified; it also expressed a strong preference for information from sources without regulatory or industry development roles. A range of different methods for providing information were identified, including physical and digital material, as well as interactive workshops and experiential farm walks. Participants expressed their expectation of greater engagement with decision makers from industry and government, as this would enhance the capacity for relevant local knowledge to inform industry regulation and management. To best reach their target audiences, engagement methods and approaches should be tailored to meet the needs of different sectors of the community.