Social Impact Assessment and Community Benefit Agreement Process
Council has established a process to support renewable energy proponents in preparing Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) and negotiating Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs). This process is intended to ensure that local knowledge, community priorities and potential impacts are appropriately considered throughout project development.
Step 1: Notice of Intent to Undertake a Social Impact Assessment
Before commencing a Social Impact Assessment, proponents must submit a Notice of Intent to Undertake a Social Impact Assessment to Council using the approved Council form.
The Notice of Intent must include information relating to the proposed project, the proposed study area, key stakeholders, preliminary engagement approach and any other information required by Council. Please note fees are payable at the time of submission and on a cost recovery basis throughout the process.
Following receipt of the Notice of Intent, Council will review the information provided and may:
- provide local demographic, economic and community data;
- identify local issues, opportunities and sensitivities relevant to the project;
- provide feedback on the proposed study area and methodology;
- identify stakeholders or community groups that should be considered; and
- provide other local context to assist with the preparation of the SIA.
This early engagement assists proponents in developing a robust and locally informed scope for the assessment.
Step 2: Scope the Social Impact Assessment
Following Council's review, the proponent should finalise the scope of the SIA, taking into consideration Council's feedback and any relevant legislative requirements.
The scope should clearly identify:
- the affected communities and study area;
- potential social impacts and opportunities;
- stakeholder groups;
- assessment methodology; and
- proposed community and stakeholder engagement activities.
Council and the proponent should seek agreement on the scope before significant assessment work commences.
Step 3: Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Under the Planning Act, community and stakeholder engagement for renewable energy projects should be undertaken in collaboration with relevant local governments.
At a minimum, proponents must provide a Notice of Intent to Commence Engagement Activities before engagement begins.
The engagement process should be designed to:
- provide meaningful opportunities for community participation;
- ensure affected stakeholders are identified and engaged;
- capture community concerns, expectations and priorities; and
- inform both the SIA and future community benefit discussions.
Council must be satisfied that community and stakeholder engagement has been undertaken appropriately and that the findings adequately reflect community views. This is an important consideration in Council's assessment of the final SIA and its ability to proceed to Community Benefit Agreement negotiations.
Step 4: Preparation and Submission of the Social Impact Assessment
Once the agreed engagement program has been completed, the Social Impact Assessment should be prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced professional.
The final SIA should:
- address the agreed scope;
- demonstrate how community and stakeholder feedback was considered;
- identify the project's anticipated social impacts and opportunities;
- recommend appropriate mitigation measures; and
- identify opportunities for community benefit initiatives.
The completed SIA must be submitted to Council for review and consideration.
Council may request clarification, additional information or amendments before determining whether the SIA is acceptable.
Step 5: Council Review and Acceptance of the Social Impact Assessment
Council will review the submitted SIA to determine whether:
- the agreed scope has been addressed;
- community and stakeholder engagement requirements have been met;
- local issues and impacts have been appropriately considered; and
- the assessment provides a reasonable basis for informing community benefit discussions.
Once Council is satisfied with the final SIA, the assessment will be formally accepted and the project may proceed to the Community Benefit Agreement phase.
Step 6: Commencement of Community Benefit Agreement Negotiations
The commencement of Community Benefit Agreement negotiations is a separate stage of the process and is subject to an additional Council fee.
Following acceptance of the SIA, Council may provide the proponent with a Community Benefit Agreement template to assist in preparing a draft agreement.
The draft CBA should be informed by:
- the findings of the Social Impact Assessment;
- identified community needs and priorities;
- proposed mitigation and enhancement measures;
- discussions between Council and the proponent; and
- any relevant Council policies and frameworks.
Step 7: Development of the Community Benefit Agreement
Council officers will work collaboratively with the proponent to negotiate and refine the draft Community Benefit Agreement.
The agreement may address matters such as:
- community funding commitments;
- local and regional benefit initiatives;
- governance and administration arrangements;
- reporting and accountability requirements; and
- implementation timeframes.
The objective is to develop a mutually agreed framework that delivers meaningful and lasting benefits to the community should the project proceed.
Step 8: Council Consideration and Endorsement
Once agreement has been reached between Council officers and the proponent, the proposed Community Benefit Agreement will be presented to Council for consideration.
If endorsed by Council, the agreement may be executed by the parties in accordance with the agreed terms and any conditions of approval.