The Strategic Regional Environmental and Baseline Assessment (SREBA) studies were key recommendations from the Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing in the Northern Territory.

The NT Government engaged The University of Queensland (UQ) through a direct procurement process to complete the Scope of Works for the Social, Cultural and Economic SREBA Studies in April 2021.

Delivery of Stage 1, to develop the Scope of Works for Stage 2, has been extended by four weeks to enable completion of stakeholder engagement delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Delivery of Stage 1 is now due in November 2021.

The interdisciplinary UQ team, made up of highly-experienced academics has contacted all identified stakeholders for Stage 1. UQ has had direct engagement with over half of these stakeholders and is following up with those remaining.

Much of the work to finalise Stage 1 is now complete, including:

• Data mapping – a desktop review of existing social, cultural and economic data for the Beetaloo region and data gaps
• Stakeholder engagement with over half the identified stakeholders
• Literature review of global best practice
• Establishment of an independent expert advisory panel
• Full UQ human research ethics application process initiated.

The work required to finalise Stage 1, includes:

• Stakeholder engagement with the remaining identified stakeholders
• Define and outline participatory methods for conduct of baseline and strategic assessment (for the next stages in 2022)
• Submit ethics application for review in November 2021.

UQ understands and recognises that on-country engagement is a crucial component of Stage 2. Suitable and appropriate participatory methods for the Social, Cultural and Economic SREBA Studies in 2022 are being informed by stakeholder engagement. Preliminary engagement with service providers, representative organisations and those working closely with communities in the Beetaloo region and their interests is planned for January to March 2022. Extensive on-country and regional engagement is expected between March and September 2022.

Any stakeholders not already engaged, wishing to contribute to Stage 1 can arrange a meeting with UQ via email at sce-sreba@uq.edu.au

Please direct all correspondence to:
Hydraulic Fracturing Inquiry Implementation Taskforce
GPO Box 4396, Darwin NT 0801
T 08 8999 6573
E hydraulic.fracturing@nt.gov.au
W hydraulicfracturing.nt.gov.au