A new compact for communities, government and the resources sector
James PurtillA Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (Queensland), PO Box 15216, City East, Qld 4002, Australia.
B Email: James.Purtill@dnrme.qld.gov.au
The APPEA Journal 58(2) 462-464 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ17065
Accepted: 19 March 2018 Published: 28 May 2018
Abstract
The growth of coal seam gas production in the Surat and Bowen Basins sparked an exploration and development rush for which few were prepared. Lessons learned suggest that a much greater level of community engagement early on is needed, particularly in frontier basins, to support a social licence for the minerals and energy sector and successful co-existence.
The Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy releases an Annual Exploration Program (AEP) identifying acreage releases for coal, minerals and petroleum and gas resources typically for cash and non-cash tenders. Historically these releases have occurred with little prior engagement with directly affected communities. In a changing environment in which communities are demanding greater levels of consultation, higher performance standards and greater transparency, this approach needed reform.
In 2016, the AEP took a radically different approach. For the first time, the AEP introduced pre-release engagement with directly affected landholders and occupiers, traditional owners, community groups and local governments within the release areas to ensure all stakeholders are fully informed.
These stakeholders are now notified earlier in the AEP timeline, with a range of supporting engagement opportunities also available following the release. These engagement activities promote transparency and enable directly affected stakeholders to access the information they need to be better prepared for potential future exploration. Early results show a high level of appreciation by stakeholders for the early notification, and a willingness to be kept informed of the process. This is particularly the case in the frontier basins. The broader community can also access AEP information via the department’s website and online interactive mapping programs.
Keywords: acreage release, community engagement, coal seam gas, CSG, governance, petroleum and gas, social licence to operate, unconventional gas.
James Purtill was appointed as the Director-General of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines in July 2015. Prior to his appointment, James was the Director-General, Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, a position held since 2013. James has significant private and public sector experience. A scientist and business administrator by profession, he brings more than 30 years of national and international experience to the role. His career highlights include being a delegate to the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and the awarding of the Prime Minister’s Centenary Medal. James was formerly the Director-General of Queensland’s Environmental Protection Agency and Commissioner of the Public Service. His private sector experience includes a senior role with a large multi-national engineering, procurement and contract management firm, and he served as Managing Director for an environmental rehabilitation company. He has also consulted to industry and government on a range of organisational design and environmental management issues. As General Manager Sustainability for an ASX top 20 resources company, he led the community and environmental programs for an $18B project. James’ academic qualifications include a Science degree with Honours from the University of New South Wales and an MBA from the University of Queensland. He is also a Fellow of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. |
