Sierracon provides international best practice services in Social and Economic Impact Assessment.
Sierracon has extensive experience in providing survey teams to engage with communities to gather high-quality socio-economic baseline information.
Based on the project design and prevailing policy and socio-economic conditions, we assess the nature, magnitude and significance of project-related social impacts and opportunities.
We provide a clearly structured and transparent assessment – weighing impacts according to their probability; magnitude; timing and duration; the groups most likely affected; geographical scope; and potential for cumulative or cross-boundary effects.
Social and Economic Impact Assessments are undertaken not just to provide a snapshot of current conditions or to gain project approval - it is the basis for adaptive management strategies designed to ensure effective impact management and stakeholder engagement throughout the life of the project.
Our social impact management planning includes clearly defined and prioritised actions; communications strategies; performance indicators; impact monitoring processes; and identification of project organizational capacities, staff, data management and training needs.
We provide specific services in undertaking agricultural impact assessments for proposed projects located in rural settings.
We also collaborate with environmental colleagues to deliver Environmental and Social Impact Assessments.
- John Hamilton has been an Adviser to the World Bank Group on social performance for projects in the Pacific & Papua New Guinea, 2021 ongoing.
- Agriculture Sector Analysis, Namoi Water for the Future Strategy, Namoi Unlimited (NSW Joint Organisation of Councils), 2019.
- Lead for a socio-economic impact assessment and the planning of community programs for Mount Isa operations in line with International Finance Corporation standards. Xstrata - Mount Isa Mines Ltd, 2013.
- Social Lead for the Social and Environmental Impact Assessment of the Naoro Brown Hydropower Project, PNG. This work includes completing baseline surveys and consultation, and preparing a Social Impact Assessment Report and associated strategies and plans. PNG Power LTD, 2017 – 2019.
- Agriculture Impact Assessment for the Fingerboards Mineral Sands Project in East Gippsland, informed by consultation with landholders and agencies, Kalbar Operations Pty Ltd. 2017-20.
- Technical Lead for the Social Impact Assessment of the Associated Gas Expansion Project in PNG, Oilsearch-Santos. This included preparation and review of social aspects of an Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment adhering to IFC standards, 2019-20 and 2022-2023.
- Assessment of social considerations in the provision of infrastructure and services in villages on Lihir Island, PNG through village plans. Lihir Mining Area Landowners Association, 2010.
- Social impact assessment of a proposed construction workforce accommodation facility at Howard Springs, Northern Territory (which is now used as a government COVID-19 quarantine facility). This included an extensive program of interviews with stakeholder organisations and residents in the immediate area of the planned village. INPEX Browse Ltd, 2009.
- Social impact assessment of the proposed Second Murray River crossing at Echuca-Moama. This included conducting extensive consultation with education, local government, business, tourism and transport stakeholder organisations and residents. VicRoads, 2009.
- Preparation of the Social and Economic Volume of a Conceptual Mine Closure Plan for Hidden Valley Mine, PNG. Morobe Mining Joint Ventures, 2013.
- Development of an Investment Framework for Public Works. This provided a guide to Council decision-making by outlining principles, criteria, supporting information, and an approach regarding investment in public works. East Gippsland Shire Council, 2016.
- Assessment of the socio-economic impact of Melbourne water restrictions on key industries, based on extensive stakeholder consultation, SmartWater Fund, 2008.
- Completed the community aspects of an Environment Management Plan for the Santos Fairview gas field development in Queensland, 2008.
- Agriculture and business impact assessment of major sections of the Northern and Hume Highways in Victoria (including an appearance as an expert witness). VicRoads, 2005-07.
- Socio-economic study of current and future groundwater use in the West Wimmera Groundwater Management area (Economist and Project Manager). Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water, 2009.
- Katandra Irrigation Scheme Feasibility Study. Goulburn Murray Water, 2008.