What’s new in the NSW Social Impact Assessment Guidelines?

Things that are the same
• Requirement for Social Impact Assessment as part of all State Significant Project through a standard requirement in the SEARs
• Confirming the previously announced changes to the standard SEARs for housing projects – requiring a shorter chapter in an EIS rather than a full SIA unless significant impacts are identified
•Clarifying the difference between SIA and EIS engagement – the purpose is different so the questions and research methodology must respond to this.

Things that are different
•New ‘negligible’ rating introduced to the significance matrix, signifying a desire to save the detailed analysis for the impacts that matter
• If a scoping report is being prepared to support the request for SEARs, the findings of an SIA scoping process should be included.
• If a project has significant residual impacts, a full SIA will be required (even if the project falls under the new SEARs for Housing SSDs).

The takeaway – get advice on the level of detail required early from a social impact practitioner to avoid surprises later down the track.

Overall, while there’s more that’s similar than different, the changes support more consistent, transparent, and proportional assessment processes – and provide clearer guidance to proponents, consultants, and approval bodies.

For more information on how we can support your next project, reach out to Sean Perry, our Social Planning Lead, or email us at info@mecone.com.au.