Register      Login
Australian Energy Producers Journal Australian Energy Producers Journal Society
Journal of Australian Energy Producers
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Non peer reviewed)

Learnings and best practices for operator and supplier social engagement in regional areas

Sam Goldsmith
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

Broadspectrum, Level 10, 111 Pacific Hwy, North Sydney 2060, Australia. Email: sam.goldsmith@broadspectrum.com

The APPEA Journal 57(2) 452-454 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ16224
Accepted: 17 March 2017   Published: 29 May 2017

Abstract

Broadspectrum’s local content experience in the oil and gas, mining, industrial, defence, social, property and infrastructure industries has resulted in 85% local employment and 80% local purchasing across our contracts in Australia. An established pilot program in Chinchilla recognises the challenges facing operators and suppliers in many oil and gas hubs across Australia and will enable the region to respond quickly to the introduction of the Queensland Government Strong and Sustainable Resources Communities Bill (expected to be in place in 2016).

The approach facilitates collaboration between schools, workers, local chambers of commerce and businesses. Elements include

  • a community jobs portal to attract local workers and act as an information exchange for the relocating worker,

  • investing in the local Chamber of Commerce to provide a welcoming service,

  • redesigning the recruitment process to support local content, and

  • deploying a local registered training organisation.

We are committed to increasing our local workforce in the region by 25% over the next 2 years and recognise that many of our clients and suppliers in the region have similar objectives.

This talk will focus on lessons and best practices derived from delivery of our traditional approach in similar industries and regions, as well as learnings from the application of the pilot program in Chinchilla. A review of early achievements will be given, including measurable outcomes; support from government; investment in a long-term pipeline of local workers through collaboration with schools; and an update on the 25% increase in local workers objective.

Keywords: coal seam gas, community, employment, license to operate, local content, procurement.

Sam Goldsmith has more than 10 years of oil and gas experience in Australia, Russia, the United Kingdom and Papua New Guinea. With a diverse background in business development and project management in engineering, construction and maintenance services, Sam has a unique perspective on the operational demands such as technical excellence, as well as the importance of elements that support industry growth, such as community engagement, safety and environment. Sam is a recognised leader with strong commercial and strategic acumen and has successfully managed some of Broadspectrum’s largest Queensland projects since joining the company in 2013. He was previously in operational and business development roles with Wood Group PSN from 2005 to 2012. Sam graduated with a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) from University of Adelaide and is a member of the Institution of Chemical Engineers.


References

Schandl, H., and Darbas, T. (2008). Surat Basin Scoping Study. Enhancing regional and community capacity for mining and energy driven regional economic development. Report to the Southern Inland Queensland Area Consultative Committee and Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, June 2008. CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Canberra.