Assessing the Social and Economic Impacts of Coal Mining on Communities in the Bowen Basin: Summary and Recommendations

摘要: [Extract] Executive Summary 1.The Centre for Social Science Research at Central Queensland University has conducted a research project funded by the Australian Coal Association Program (ACARP) from March 2004 to 2006. 2. The broad aim of this was assist coal mining companies develop effective processes engaging with their communities and developing impact assessment planning that can be agreed stakeholders. focus been in three key areas: (a) demonstrating social economic impacts occur any stage during life mine operations, (b) new tools impacts, (c) comparing between mining-focus rural-focus towns. 3. is an important component environmental approvals Australia. While EIS process remains projects, it does not cover all on regional communities. Key deficiencies include lack for: (a)Economic after stage, (b)The changes scale such as those influenced commodity cycles, (c)The cumulative multiple operations communities, (d)The wind-down or closure mines 4. Other issues relate potential consistency different studies, failure follow-up check many predictions are made. 5. development sustainability indicators annual reporting mechanisms voluntarily adopting welcome. However, there opportunities better align these more comprehensive assessments use regular procedures inputs into reporting. 6. traditional approaches stakeholder analysis former modelling (input output analysis) latter. enhanced involvement negotiation decision making stages, but stages often included. In similar way, rarely goes beyond desktop consideration either net welfare effects increase development. outcomes most exercises separate limited congruent. 7. Opportunities exist assessing gaining Two have identified choice experimental workshops. 8. Choice applied giving community members sets options community, where typically some offsetting influences. Analysis choices people make gives insights both preferences trade offs mining. 9. Experimental workshops small groups they might asked participate 'games' experiments. These focused mixes provides indication 10.The workshop share elements involve participation members, number demographic provide feedback about participants' preferences. They also give quantitative strength evaluate them monetary terms. 11. do replace structured interviews modelling. Instead, viewed complements existing set tools. 12. demonstrated workforce mobility associated residents Blackwater. results identify contribution factors locate to, salary premiums involved moving locations. 13. four two case study applications project. One Blackwater, predominantly service town. other Bauhinia Shire, agricultural shire activities just starting up. Each application analysis, input modelling, 14. There great deal techniques. For example, positive employment growth consistently identified, importance health services future 15. tested techniques provided types As expected, rich data variety little guidance priorities preferences, while understanding activity without much impacts. 16.There tendency negative emphasised, impacts. contrast, alternative prioritization how development, detail available 17. technique revealed particular benefits options. survey allowed collected large (and random) sample people. cases, inclusive. well, possible format collect very wide range ways analysis. This particularly priority could expressed 18. had value group change setting, allowing participants get allocations contribute pool combination setting loops made appropriate work through individual may information feedback. 19. studies significant differences generally terms because were varying levels concern indicates dealing needs tailored specific characteristics issues.