Improving the understanding of social engagement and social licence on offshore decommissioning in Australia is important to support a socially responsible decommissioning industry.
We commissioned independent consultant Hall & Partners to research Australians’ perceptions and sentiment of offshore decommissioning. They developed a report on their findings and an engagement guide for industry.
To develop the report and engagement guide, Hall & Partners carried out focus groups and a survey. They held the focus groups in the areas of Western Australia, Victoria and the Northern Territory where decommissioning will occur. Their survey was completed by 3000 people Australia-wide.
The report captures broader public sentiments on offshore decommissioning. It includes:
- insights on the public’s knowledge and feelings about what offshore decommissioning is and what it means.
- the perceived drawbacks and benefits of offshore decommissioning activities, particularly in directly affected communities and regions.
- key concerns for core demographics and regions, such as impacts on jobs and local business and impacts on the environment.
- recommendations on how the decommissioning sector can better communicate with impacted regions and the broader public.
The engagement guide builds on the research and data from the report. It explains how industry can develop appropriate, informative and balanced lines of communication with the public, impacted communities and non-sector stakeholders.
These insights will continue to support the work of the directorate as it develops communications and information around offshore decommissioning.