A business that balances people and projects.

What we do

  • We de-risk State and Local Government planning applications by conducting high-quality and cost-effective social impact and socio-economic assessments.

  • We profile, map, consult, and build relationships with communities affected by major projects.

  • We conduct bespoke social research to identify and evaluate community sentiment.

A large group of people gathering on the beach for a social event, their figures reflecting in water laying on the surface

Some ways we’ve made positive Social Impacts

Social Impact Assessment Lead - Strontian Road Solar Farm and BESS (NSW State Significant Development)

Scope: Commissioned by Zero E, Dr Jamie Seaton designed the SIA research and engagement program for both the SIA scoping and the EIS phases of the project located in Sandigo, NSW. Jamie fulfilled the Lead SIA author report writing responsibilities.

Deliverables:

  • Stakeholder meetings during the Project's scoping phase with representatives from Narrandera TAFE, Narrandera Business Group and Narrandera Council

  • Interviews with directly affected landholders

  • Review and SIA integration of the EIS technical assessments.

Outcome: Jamie established strong relationships with the Project stakeholders and obtained valuable data which will form the basis of the Project's SIA.

 

Three waste bins standing side by side in a park

Social Impact Assessment Lead - Chullora Materials Recycling Facility(NSW State Significant Development)

Scope: Dr Jamie Seaton conducted a high-quality social impact assessment (SIA) for the SUEZ Materials Recycling Facility in Sydney, in accordance with the SIA Guideline published by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (NSW DPHI).

Deliverables:

  • Comprehensive community and stakeholder engagement plan

  • socio-economic baseline and stakeholder analysis

  • community engagement guidance for proponent project team

  • social research methods including surveys, ethnographic content (media) analysis and desktop research.

Outcome:  Jamie authored the specialist SIA report which was submitted to NSW DPHI and successfully achieved a planning consent for the client.

Social Impact Assessment Lead - Pilgrim Avenue mixed-use residential and commercial tower (NSW State Significant Development)

Scope: Dr Jamie Seaton was engaged to collaborate with the Project's architect and EIS lead and conduct a social impact assessment (SIA) of the 20 storey mixed-use residential and commercial development in Strathfield, NSW.

Deliverables:

  • Random doorknock of businesses and residences surrounding the Project site to gauge community sentiment about the proposal

  • Online community information session to illustrate features of the development

  • Cumulative social impact assessment which considered the collective influence of major developments in the Strathfield LGA.

Outcome: Jamie's SIA recognised the architect's work aimed at improving the streetscape in Strathfield. The SIA report identified the Project's potential social benefits and challenges, which enabled the developer to make an informed planning response.

A colour photograph of Mole River in NSW, view shows the river downstream and vegetation on the river banks

Landholder Engagement Manager - Dungowan Dam and Mole River Dam (both NSW Critical State Significant Infrastructure Projects)

Scope: Dr Jamie Seaton was engaged by the NSW Government to be the Landowner Communications and Engagement Manager for both the Dungowan Dam and Mole River Dam projects.

Deliverables:

  • Land access agreements along the 60km Dungowan pipeline corridor in Tamworth

  • Interface between affected landowners and the Project teams in Mole River and Tamworth

  • Manage stakeholder enquiries and complaints, and foster positive relationships (e.g. landholders, Moombahlene Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC), and Councils).

Outcome: Jamie's work supported the successful design and construction of the new pipeline which guaranteed a reliable water supply for the population of Tamworth. In Mole River, Jamie’s diligent engagement and consultation efforts resulted in the successful repatriation of the Aboriginal artefacts to Country.

Socio-economic Impact Assessment Lead - Newcastle Link Road and Minmi Road Intersection Upgrade Socio-economic Impact Assessment (SEIA)

Scope: To support the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) prepared by SMEC Australia Pty Ltd, Dr Jamie Seaton is contracted to conduct a SEIA of the proposed intersection upgrade.

Deliverables:

  • Socio-economic baseline analysis of communities and businesses within the project’s study area

  • Consult Transport for NSW to develop preferred methodology including doorknock of retail premises in Cameron Park and Edgeworth NSW

  • Evaluation of project impacts, including changes to residential amenity, travel times, road safety and local business activity.

Outcome: Jamie's SEIA report is being prepared for review and submission to SMEC Australia and Transport for NSW.

Colour photograph of grazing land in far western NSW, sheep are shown in the foreground

Social Impact Assessment Lead - Federation Gold Mine (NSW State Significant Development)

Scope: Dr Jamie Seaton was engaged by Aurelia Metals Pty Ltd to conduct the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) for this project classified as a State Significant Development by the NSW Government.

Deliverables:

  • Development of an online survey for mine workers and project stakeholders

  • Consult the Federation Project’s fenceline neighbours to understand potential social impacts

  • Conduct two Community Information Sessions in Nymagee NSW.

Outcome: Jamie’s excellent SIA was part of the successful EIS application which obtained planning consent for Aurelia Metals Pty Ltd. His SIA also identified some project refinements which the company pursued to create positive relationships with the host community.

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