Isaac River Project – Social Impact Assessment

June 14, 2023

Wall Planning Group (WPG) was engaged by Bowen Coking Coal Pty Ltd to prepare the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) for the Isaac River Project, located 28km east of Moranbah in the Bowen Basin and 130km south-west of Mackay, Central Queensland.

Coal remains Queensland’s largest export commodity and a significant contributor to state royalties. Bowen Coking Coal is a major employer in the region, with more than 700 staff across its Queensland operations.

Scope of Assessment
The SIA prepared by WPG considered:

The potential social impacts and opportunities associated with the project.
The project’s role in supporting the regional economy.
Opportunities for local business and industry participation through the supply of goods and services.
Measures to address community concerns and maximise benefits for local stakeholders.

Approvals & Milestones
The project achieved key regulatory milestones, receiving a site-specific Environmental Authority from the Queensland Government in March 2022, followed by Federal Approval in May 2023.

Outcome
Through comprehensive analysis and recommendations, WPG’s SIA helped guide the Isaac River Project in achieving approvals while ensuring the benefits of the project are shared with local communities and businesses.

The post Isaac River Project appeared first on Wall Planning Group.

< Older Post

Share

Peace of Mind? Time to Spare? No Stress?

Yes Please!

Get Your Consultation

Our founder, Renee Wall, has brought her international experience to the Queensland region. Renee is a planning professional with over 20 years experience in the planning sector, specialising in the delivery of major projects.

Quick Links

Latest news

Social Impact Management Plan for Clermont Mine Closure

September 3, 2025

Wall Planning Group (WPG) is working with Glencore to develop a Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) for the Clermont Mine Closure Preparedness Project. This work builds upon WPG’s earlier Social Impact Assessment (SIA) for the Clermont Mine, ensuring that insights, data, and recommendations collected during the SIA are carried through into a practical, forward-focused management plan. Mine closures present significant challenges for communities that are economically reliant on large-scale resource projects. For Clermont and surrounding Central Queensland communities, the closure of the mine represents a major shift in local employment, economic activity, and community identity. The SIMP Provides Glencore with a Framework to: Mitigate the negative impacts of mine closure on the Clermont community and workforce. Identify and enhance opportunities for positive impacts, such as skills transition, economic diversification, and community-led initiatives. Engage openly with stakeholders to ensure concerns are addressed and opportunities realised. Support sustainable social and economic outcomes beyond the life of the mine. Key Findings & Recommendations WPG’s approach recognises the importance of sustainable business practices in achieving both social and political licence to operate. The SIMP emphasises proactive engagement with stakeholders, targeted mitigation strategies, and investment in initiatives that support long-term resilience for Clermont and the surrounding region. Outcome & Impact By integrating sustainability into mine closure planning, WPG is helping Glencore reduce risks and achieve stronger community and stakeholder outcomes. The SIMP provides a roadmap for balancing business, environmental, and social considerations, ensuring that Clermont’s community can continue to thrive long after mining operations have ceased.

Social Impact Assessment for Moah Creek Wind Farm

By Admin Wallplanning • September 3, 2025

Wall Planning Group (WPG) is proud to have been involved in the preparation of a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) for a renewable energy (wind farm) project at Moah Creek in Central Queensland. As Australia continues its transition to renewables, projects such as this highlight the importance of understanding and managing the social implications of new energy infrastructure. Scope of the Social Impact Assessment With a strong history of working alongside renewable energy companies, WPG combined its experience in the sector with an in-depth understanding of Central Queensland communities. The Moah Creek Wind Farm Project engaged WPG to undertake the SIA as a requirement of government regulations and to help guide the project’s design and delivery. The SIA Process Involved: Assessing the communities of the Rockhampton region situated in close proximity to the project. Combining baseline statistical data with researched knowledge of the community context. Identifying both positive opportunities and potential risks associated with the project. Providing recommendations to ensure risks are mitigated while community benefits are maximised. Key Findings & Recommendations The analysis provided insight into the local community’s values, needs, and expectations regarding renewable energy development. WPG identified potential social risks that could arise during construction and operation, as well as opportunities for local economic participation, regional investment, and community engagement. Practical management measures were recommended to reduce risks and strengthen positive outcomes. Outcome & Impact The SIA gave the Moah Creek Wind Farm Project a strong social foundation to progress through the approval process while ensuring alignment with both government requirements and community expectations. By delivering quality data and meaningful insights, WPG supported the project in balancing renewable energy goals with sustainable, community-focused outcomes.

Social Health and Impact Assessment for Park Ridge Hotel and Liquor Store

By Admin Wallplanning • September 3, 2025

Wall Planning Group (WPG) was proud to be involved in the preparation of a Social Health and Impact Assessment (SHIA) for the proposed Hotel (Tavern) and Shop (Liquor Store) at Park Ridge. The SHIA was prepared in support of the Community Impact Statement required for the Gaming Licence Application and in line with Council’s Liquor and Gaming Policies. Town Planning Alliance engaged WPG to provide specialist expertise in assessing the social health implications and community impacts of the proposed development. The outcome of this project was approval from Logan City Council. The SHIA Process Involved: Identifying and profiling the local community through statistical analysis. Conducting engagement activities to understand community values and perspectives. Assessing known and potential positive opportunities, such as economic and social benefits. Identifying potential negative impacts, particularly relating to health and wellbeing, and recommending mitigation strategies. Providing evidence-based recommendations to support decision-making and ensure alignment with community expectations and policy requirements. Key Findings & Recommendations The assessment identified both opportunities and risks associated with the proposed development. While the project was recognised for its potential to contribute to the local economy and provide additional community amenities, the SHIA also highlighted the importance of managing potential negative health and social impacts linked to alcohol service and gaming. WPG provided clear strategies to mitigate risks while maximising the positive benefits for the Park Ridge community. Outcome & Impact The SHIA supported the project’s compliance with statutory requirements while demonstrating a proactive, community-focused approach to impact management. By balancing opportunities with appropriate safeguards, the project was positioned for successful integration within the community and provided a strong foundation for future decision-making regarding licensing and development approval.

Share by: