Wall Planning Group (WPG) was engaged by Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) to conduct a peer review of the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) for a worker’s camp in the region.

WPG’s role was to assess the robustness of the submitted SIA by evaluating the completeness and clarity of information provided for public and Council review, the extent to which potential negative impacts were identified and addressed, the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures, and the adequacy of consultation with Traditional Owners, and other key stakeholders.

Key Findings & Recommendations

Following an in-depth review, WPG identified several areas requiring improvement to ensure a comprehensive and effective Social Impact Assessment. Our key recommendations included:

Enhanced Impact Assessment: The SIA should further explore both positive and negative social impacts, assessing their significance based on the specific lived experiences of the community and broader region.

Justification of Impact Ratings: The Impact Assessment Table and significance ratings need a thorough review to ensure ratings are realistic, justified, and reflective of all technical aspects of the Development Application (e.g., social consequences of increased traffic).

Strengthened Mitigation Measures: Strategies to address potential negative impacts should be further developed to align with community aspirations. Additionally, a robust Monitoring, Review, and Update Plan should be incorporated to track impacts across the project lifecycle.

Improved Community Engagement: The Engagement Program should provide clear evidence of inclusive, respectful, and meaningful engagement, particularly with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal representatives. Community concerns must be effectively integrated into the impact assessment and mitigation strategies.



Outcome & Impact

Our peer review provided TRC with valuable insights to enhance the decision-making process for this Development Application. By addressing the identified gaps, TRC can ensure a more thorough assessment of social impacts, leading to a balanced and informed approach to development. WPG’s expertise in social impact assessment and stakeholder engagement played a crucial role in refining the quality and effectiveness of the SIA, ultimately supporting better planning outcomes for the region.

This project highlights WPG’s commitment to delivering rigorous, insightful, and community focused planning solutions, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted partner in development assessment and social impact evaluation.