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Social Impact Assessment Policyfor development applications

November 1999


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About the Social Impact

Assessment Policy for

Development Applications

This Policy is a guide to help allconcerned consider the social impactsof development proposals. The policyshould be read in conjunction withthe DA Guide which summariseswhen a proponent should addresssocial impacts in a developmentapplication.

The aim of the policy is to facilitatethe preparation and assessment ofdevelopment applications with

respect to social considerations inthe interests of the developer, thebroader community and the futureof Newcastle.

Newcastle City Council has a statutoryobligation under Section 79C of theEnvironmental Planning andAssessment Act to includeconsideration of social impacts ofdevelopment proposals where relevant

in determining a developmentapplication.

Contact Person:

If you are not clear as to whether yourdevelopment should consider socialimpacts, or the level of assessmentrequired, dont hesitate to contact:Councils Manager of Developmentand Building Services on (02) 49742793


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Social Impact Assessment Policy for Development Applications

Contents

Section Page

1 Introduction........................................1

2 Definitions and principles..................5

3 Role of Council, the applicant and thecommunity ........................................7

4 Is a social impact assessmentrequired?...........................................9

5 Social Impact Comment in theStatement of Environmental Effects(SEE) ..............................................11

6 Social Impact Statement (SIS) .......14

Appendix A - Data sources ....................17

Appendix B - Useful references .............19

Abbreviations

DA development applicationDCP development control planEIS environmental impact

statementLEP local environmental plan

SEE statement of environmentaleffectsSIA social impact assessmentSIC social impact commentSIS social impact statementTOR terms of reference
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1 Introduction

1.1 Background to the

preparation of the DCP

In 1992 Newcastle City Councilestablished the Social ImpactConsultative Panel. It provides adviceto Council on the potential socialimpacts of a range of issues, policiesand actions in the city.

In 1997 the Panel investigated various

models for conducting social impactassessment (SIA) for newdevelopment. At this time Council wasrequesting that SIA be carried out fordevelopments where significant socialimpacts were anticipated. The Panelwas also involved in policydevelopment, such as the Code for theRegulation of Brothels and Other SexIndustry Establishments.

Social impact assessments have beencommissioned for the Honeysuckleand Steel River developments, theproposed closure of NewcastleHospital, information technology, andCouncils rating policy. Council hasrequested SIAs for a methadone clinic,a tavern, and rezoning proposals.

In 1998, the Social Impact ConsultativePanel established a subcommittee toconsider tools to assist in the

assessment of social impacts. One ofthese tools was a DevelopmentControl Plan (DCP).

In mid-1998, consultations wereconducted with peak developmentindustry organisations, council staff,councillors, community groups, thehotel industry, and the Social ImpactConsultative Panel. This provided inputinto the preparation of a draft DCP.

Through ongoing discussion with therelevant stakeholders it was agreed to

trial the Draft DCP as a Policy for thefirst twelve months. Implementation ofthe policy will be reviewed after twelvemonths, when it will be decidedwhether the document will remain inpolicy form, or if it should be formallyadopted as a DCP.

1.2 Vision and desired

outcomes

Newcastles vision for the future is toachieve long term growth andrevitalisation as an ecologicallysustainable city. The Newcastle UrbanStrategy (1998) and the City-wideNewcastle Local Environmental Plan1987 aim to achieve a balancedplanning framework which gives equalemphasis to social, cultural, economic,ecological and environmentalconsequences of decisions and

actions by Councils, otherorganisations, and individuals.

This Social Impact Assessment Policyfor Development Applications is setagainst a background of ecologicallysustainable development strategies.SIA cannot be viewed in isolation fromthe broader ecological systems inwhich people live. The principle ofinter-generational equity is particularlyrelevant for SIA.

Newcastle City Councils vision is:

Newcastle will become a modelsustainable city of the 21st Centurywith:

a fair go for people

access for people

employment for people

places for people

a better environment


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From: Newcastle City Council 1998/99 2000/01 Management Plan.

The general objective for this SocialImpact Assessment Policy forDevelopment Applications is to ensure

that, where relevant, socialconsiderations are an integral part ofthe development assessment system.

In order to realise this objective thePolicy seeks to:

Indicate which developmentapplications should includecomment regarding socialimpacts or a detailed social

impact statement; Provide clear guidelines as to

how social impact assessmentsshould be conducted;

Enhance consistency, certaintyand transparency in Councilsassessment of the social impactof development proposals;

Ensure that the process ofassessing social impact hasstatutory legitimacy;

Assist Council staff to improve

their understanding andassessment of social issuesrelating to developmentapplications.

1.3 Adoption date

The Social Impact Assessment Policyfor Development Applications wasadopted by Council on July 1999 and

becomes operational on ## November,1999.

1.4 Land to which the policy

applies

This Policy covers all land within theNewcastle Local Government Area.

1.5 Relationship to the NSW

Environmental Planning

and Assessment Act 1979

This Policy relates to local

development, integrated developmentand designated development as definedin the Environmental Planning andAssessment Act 1979.

Section 79C(1) of the EnvironmentalPlanning and Assessment Actspecifies the matters councils shouldtake into consideration whenassessing development applications.Councils have discretion to decide

which matters are relevantdevelopment proposals.

One of the heads of considerationCouncils are to take into account inevaluating development applications is:

The likely impacts of thatdevelopment, including environmentalimpacts on both the natural and builtenvironments and social andeconomic impacts in the locality

(Section 79C(1)(b)).

This Policy provides guidance forassessing the social impacts ofdevelopment in a locality.

1.6 Relationship to other

Council plans and policies

This policy should be read in

conjunction with the Newcastle LocalEnvironmental Plan. This is theprincipal planning instrument governingdevelopment within the NewcastleLocal Government Area.

Applicants should seek advice fromCouncil as to DCPs or Council Codesand Policies that may be relevant to aspecific development application.

There are a number of Council codes

and policies that relate to socialimpacts. These include the Code for


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the Regulation of Brothels and OtherSex Industry Establishments (DCPNo.46) and the Newcastle Mixed UseCompatibility DCP (DCP No. 47)Where applicable, these should beconsulted in conjunction with thispolicy.

1.7 Section 94 contributions

Section 94 Contributions Plans set outcircumstances where Council maylevy a contribution towards the capitalcost of community facilities (such asroads, open space, and communitycentres). These plans have assessed

the impact of various forms ofdevelopment on the future demand forthese services. The full details of howcontributions are calculated, theformulae used and capital worksprograms are contained in theContributions Plans.

Developments that are nominated inthese Contributions Plans would beexpected to make payment towardsthese services in the mannerspecified. The social impactassessments made under thispolicy will not alter the provisionsof these Contributions Plans. Onlyin very exceptional cases forcomplex major developments, aspecial Contributions Plan mayneed to be made relating to theunique demands of thatdevelopment.

1.8 Public Notification and

Dispute Resolution

Various types of developmentapplications are publicly notified toenable interested and affected personsto submit comments to Council. Thesubmission period is generally 14days, but in some circumstances itmay be 30 days (Cl.65(7)

Environmental Planning andAssessment Regulation 1994). Council

notifies the applicant of the date whenthe application is placed on publicexhibition or is advertised.

Newcastle is a leader in the mediationof disputes involving developmentproposals. The Dispute ResolutionPolicy provides a framework for theresolution of disputes which may arisebetween an applicant and anotherparty affected by the developmentproposal. This may involve a mediationprocess prior to the application beingformally considered by Council.

The preparation of a SIS or thesocial impact component of a SEE

is not designed to replace themediation program. SIA is not aconflict resolution tool. However,the process of assessing socialimpacts may bring to the fore majordifferences of opinion about aproposal early in the process. Thismay signal the need to addresstheir issues.

1.9 Structure of the Policy

There are six main sections to thePolicy. These cover the procedure forassessing social impacts.

Definitions and principles. This sectiongives a contemporary definition ofsocial impacts, outlines principles,explains the concept of social impact

management, and addresses therelationship of social impacts to othertypes of impact.

Role of main parties. This sectionexplains the roles of Council, theapplicant and the community in theprocess of assessing social impacts.

Is a social impact assessmentrequired?This section outlines the twolevels of assessment provided for in

this policy. It will inform applicantsabout what level of assessment is


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necessary for their proposal theinclusion of a SIC in the SEE or thepreparation of a SIS. It clarifies whenno social impact assessment isrequired.

Social Impact Comment (SIC) in theStatement of Environmental Effects.This section explains what is requiredwhen including a social impactcomment in the SEE.

Social Impact Statement (SIS). Thissection explains what is required in thepreparation of a Social ImpactStatement to accompany a DA. Itoutlines the steps involved in the

preaparation of a SIS commencingwith the initial contact with Council tothe final document.

Guidance Notes. These notesaccompany the policy. They provideinformation on useful social impactscoping questions for preparing thesocial impact comment; guidancenotes for preparing Social ImpactStatements; and guidance notes forevaluating social impact assessments.Details of data sources and usefulreferences are given in theappendices.

1.10 Requirements for submission

of a development application

Applicants should consult CouncilsDA Guideto obtain details of all therequirements for submitting adevelopment application toCouncil. For complex proposals, theapplicant is encouraged to seek anearly pre-DA meeting with Councilsdevelopment officers to ensure that allrelevant aspects are properlyaddressed.


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2 Definitions and Principles

2.1 Definition of social impact

There are many definitions of socialimpact. A contemporary definition(Armour 1992) defines social impactsas changes that occur in:

Peoples way of life (how theylive, work, play and interact withone another on a day-to-day

basis); Their culture (shared beliefs,

customs and values); and Their community (its cohesion,

stability, character, servicesand facilities).

These changes may involve significantimpacts experienced by people as aresult of development.

2.2 Key principles of assessing

social impacts

To achieve a useful and appropriateframework for assessing socialimpacts, a number of key principlesare important.

Minimum necessary information. Thisis relevant for all levels of assessment.The purpose of assessing socialimpacts is to provide focussedrelevant details on the significantor problematic impacts. Theminimum necessary information needsto be provided to ensure an adequateassessment. An encyclopaedicapproach is not encouraged.

Positive as well as negative impacts.When assessing social impacts, it isessential to consider the positive

social aspects of developments aswell as any negatives.

Participation. When assessing socialimpacts the focus is on impacts onpeople. Persons and groups thatmay be affected by the proposalshould be consulted. It is best to dothis as early as possible in theprocess.

Comprehensive participationprocesses will generally only be

required for the preparation ofSocial Impact Statements even forminor developments, though it is agood idea to contact neighbours toenquire how they may be affected.

Participation is a means of gaininginformation about the potential impactsof a proposal. It should not be seen asa process for gaining consent from theaffected community.

Practical and action focussed. Whenassessing social impacts it is essentialto consider how the social effects ofchange can best be managed. Anyassessment needs to be actionfocussed and practical.

The applicant should incorporatepractical measures that willenhance the positive impacts, mayimprove the development and limitany possible negative socialimpacts.

Council may need to considerconditions of consent where impactshave not been adequately addressed inthe development application.Amendments to proposed plans maybe required during the assessmentprocess or under the conditions ofconsent.

Inter-generational equity. When


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measuring social impactsconsideration should be given to theeffects of the development on presentand future generations. It shouldensure that the health, diversity andproductivity of the environment ismaintained or enhanced for the benefitof present and future generations.

2.3 Relationship with other

impact categories

It is difficult to neatly compartmentalisesocial impacts from other types ofimpact. The Environmental Planningand Assessment Act is structured sothat all impacts are considered as anintegrated assessment.Environmental impacts usually havesocial dimensions, such as with traffic,odour and noise impacts. Socialimpacts may have economicconsequences, such as increasedcrime in a neighbourhood causingbusinesses to move away.

A social impact assessment

conducted under this policy should notduplicate other issues beingaddressed in a Statement ofEnvironmental Effects. The DA Guidelists the other categories of issues tobe considered.

Human activities typically have impactson natural or built systems andtherefore the environment is facingincreased ecological pressure. Ifecologically sustainable development

is to be achieved social, ecological,and economic benefits need to bedelivered to individuals andcommunities for both the present andthe future.


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3 Role of Council, the applicant and the

community

The major players in social impactassessment of development proposalsare the Council, the applicant and thecommunity. Each has a clear role.

3.1 Role of Council

The elected Council, either directly or

by delegation, is the decision-makingbody. It is required to evaluate all thepotential environmental impacts of adevelopment, including social impacts,and determine whether the applicationshould receive development consentunder the Environmental Planning andAssessment Act 1979.

The role of Council or its officers actingunder delegated authority is to besatisfied that the social impacts of a

development have been reasonablyaddressed in accordance with the Actand having regard to this policy. Theyshould also evaluate whether thesocial benefits out-weigh any socialnegatives. This final determinationmust be made having regard to allthe merits of the particularproposal, not just the socialaspects.

The role of Council officers otherwiseis to provide guidance on the processof preparing a SEE or a SIS under thispolicy. Council staff may requestfurther information from anapplicant if the informationsubmitted appears to beinadequate. Finally, in casesrequiring determination by the Council,Council officers will prepare a report onthe application recommending whether

a development should be approved,approved subject to compliance with

conditions of consent, or refused.

3.2 Role of the applicant

The main role of the applicant is toprepare the required SEE or SIS asappropriate. Depending on the level ofsocial impact assessment required, anapplicant may seek expert advice from

a social impact practitioner inpreparing either the SEE or the SIS.

It is the applicants responsibility toensure that any possible socialimpacts of a proposal have beenfully and adequately addressed inthe SEE or SIS. This will helpprevent delays in processing theapplication due to the necessity forCouncil officers to request

additional information in order toenable a proposal to be properlyassessed.

3.3 Role of the community

The communitys role is to providecomment on the DA including the SISor the SIC in the SEE. For proposalsonly requiring a SIC in the SEE thisinput will usually be confined to making

written submissions on applications inresponse to public notificationprocedures.

For proposals requiring a SIS moreparticipation may be required fromgroups or individuals in the community.This may involve contributing to thecommunity focus meeting.


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3.4 Role of government

agencies

State government agencies may beable to assist applicants with specificadvice or information regarding adevelopment. In the case of IntegratedDevelopment under S.91 of theEnvironmental Planning andAssessment Act 1979, certaingovernment agencies will have adesignated licensing or approvalrole (see Guidance Notes).

The Department of Urban Affairs andPlanning has a central role in theassessment of designateddevelopment and applications madeunder the State EnvironmentalPlanning Policy No 34. EIS Guidelineshave been produced for variouscategories of development to assistboth project design and assessment ofimpacts.

Depending on the circumstances ofthe proposal, applicants or Councilstaff may seek specific advice from agovernment agency on a development.For instance, the Department ofCommunity Services may advise onthe observed impacts of group homesfor people with a disability. The NSWDepartment of Health may providehealth data relevant to a proposal orexpert advice on health risks. Such

advice may be relevant for the socialimpact component of either the SEE orthe SIS.


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4 Is a social impact assessment required?

4.1 When is a Social Impact

Assessment Required?

If the answer to any of the followingquestions is YES or POSSIBLY, theissue will need to be appropriatelyaddressed in the Statement ofEnvironmental Effects:

Will the proposal be likely to giverise to a significant increase or

reduction in the number of personson the site?

Will the proposal disadvantage orbenefit any particular social group?

Will the proposal be likely to giverise to an increase or decrease inemployment opportunities in thelocality?

Will the proposal have a significantimpact on the existing housingstock in the locality, particularlylow-rental housing?

Will the proposal impact uponexisting community meeting placesor give rise to an increaseddemand for community facilities orservices in the locality?

Will on-site support services be

required?

Will the proposal be likely to giverise to increased conflict in thecommunity or adversely impactupon community identity?

Will the proposal be likely toenhance or detract from thecultural life of the community?

Will the proposal create areas ofinsecurity or risk for occupants orpedestrians within or adjacent tothe development?

Will the proposal be likely to giverise to increased communityconcern regarding public safety?

In the case of the majority ofproposals, it is expected that any

social impact will be able to beadequately addressed by means of anappropriate comment or comments inthe Statement of EnvironmentalEffects, with a full Social ImpactStatement only required in the case ofmajor projects which are out ofcharacter within the existing urbancontext, involve an increased risk topublic safety or are likely to threatenthe existing sense of communityidentity and cohesiveness. Ega major

new public transport facility, retailcomplex, hospital, institution,rehabilitation centre, industrialdevelopment, entertainment facility orhousing project.


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4.2 When is no social impact

assessment required?

Not all developments will require a

social impact assessment.Consideration of social impacts is notrequired for exempt or complyingdevelopment or for any other minor orsmall scale proposals which are notlikely to have any social impacts.Enquire from the customer enquirycounter if uncertain in this regard.(Refer to DA Guide)

4.3 Two levels of assessment

There are two levels of assessment.for developments that require socialimpacts to be considered. They are:

Social Impact Comment (SIC) inthe Statement of EnvironmentalEffects(SEE).

Social Impact Statement (SIS)either included in the Statement ofEnvironmental Effects (or as astand alone document).

The first is a basic level of assessmentthe second is a more in-depthassessment. In both cases, onlysocial impacts relevant to theproposal need be considered.

4.4 When is a Social Impact

Comment in the Statement

of Environmental Effects

required?

Subject to the DA guide checklist aSocial Impact Comment is required inthe Statement of EnvironmentalEffects for the following types ofdevelopments, unless listed as exemptor complying development ordevelopment subject to clause 4.4.

Residential more than 3proposed dwellings on a singleallotment.

Childcare (caring for more than7 children), educationalestablishments, communityand health facilities, grouphomes, places of publicworship.

Business/industrialdevelopment

Recreation, entertainment, sexindustry and touristdevelopment.

Expand or change of non

conforming existing use. Demolition of a building. Advertising hoarding. Land subdivision (where no

DCP applies). Strata subdivision of low cost

rental accommodation (SEPP10).

4.5 When is a Social ImpactStatement required?

A Social Impact Statement will only berequired in the case of major projectswhich are likely to have a significantimpact because they are:

out of character within the existingurban context;

involve an increased risk to publicsafety; or

likely to threaten the existing senseof community identity orcohesiveness.

Examples of these projects mayinclude: major public transportfacilities; a major new retail complex,hospital, institution, rehabilitationcentre; industrial development;entertainment facility; or housingproject.

Final determination as to whether aSIS will be required in support of a DA


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should be made in consultation withCouncils Development andEnvironment Division.

4.6 Rezoning Land

Rezoning requires amendment to theLocal Environmental Plan. Councilmay require a SIC in the SEE or a SISto accompany a proposal to rezoneland.

4.7 Applications that require an

Environmental Impact

Statement

For Designated Developmentapplicants should contact theAssessments Branch of the NSWDepartment of Urban Affairs andPlanning (Sydney) as early aspossible. Alternatively, applicants can

contact the Hunter regional office of theDepartment of Urban Affairs andPlanning (Newcastle).

For developments under StateEnvironmental Planning Policy No.34(SEPP 34), applicants should contactthe Major Development Unit of theNSW Department of Urban Affairs andPlanning (Sydney) or the Hunterregional office.

Specialist guidance and proceduresapply in both these situations. ForSEPP 34 developments, the Ministerfor Urban Affairs and Planning isnormally the consent authority, not the

Council.


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5. Social Impact Comment in the Statement of

Environmental Effects

5.1 The Statement of

Environmental Effects

All development applications require aStatement of Environmental Effects(SEE), unless the proposal will haveonly a negligible impact. These lattercategories of development are listed inCouncils DA Guide.

The Statement of EnvironmentalEffects is a succinct documentoutlining the likely impacts of theproposal. It should also indicatemeasures to mitigate these impacts.

The DA Guide provides guidance onhow to prepare the SEE. Theinformation in this policy is to assistwith preparing the parts of the SEEdealing with social effects. Applicantsshould consult the DA Guide as well

as this policy in order to ensure anadequate SEE is prepared.

5.2 Purpose of the Social

Impact Comment in the

Statement of Environmental

Effects

The Social Impact Comment:

Should provide information on

social impacts, where relevant.

Should be included in the Statement

of Environmental Effects

accompanying a DA.

Is a basic assessment of social

impacts.

Is not intended to be onerous. In

most cases it may only require 1

or 2 paragraphs.

Will not entail complex community

consultation procedures.

Will only require consultation withneighbours and key stakeholders

where appropriate. Is able to be prepared by a non-

specialist person

Includes reference to any how

positive social impacts and how they

can be maximised

Describes how any potential negative

social impacts are to be minimised

in the interests of both the

occupants/users of the development

and the wider community.

5.3 Social Impact matrix

There are a number of different socialimpacts that may occur as a result ofa development. These are listed in thebox below:

Impacts categories:

Access (disabled) and mobility, Accommodation and housing, Community services and

facilities, Community structure (severance,

cohesion and identity),

Crime and public safety,

Culture and community values, Employment, Health, Interaction between new

development and the existing

community, Local economic effects, Needs of social groups (women,

aged, persons with a disability,children, youth, ethnic groups,indigenous),

Population change (size andcharacteristics),

Recreation facilities, Risk perception in community, Social equity (displacement,

needs of disadvantaged groups).


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The Social Impact Matrix (see nextpage) gives guidance as to what typesof impacts should be considered forbroad categories of development. Thisis intended to guide applicants as

to what types of impacts to payspecial attention to.

Even if an impact category isindicated in the matrix, eachproposal will be different. Thepurpose of the matrix is to focus theSEE. In some cases, impactshighlighted in the matrix may not berelevant.

If an impact category has been

highlighted in the matrix for thedevelopment type, thecorresponding set of scopingquestions should be consulted.(See Guidance Notes)

5.4 What to put in the social

impact comment.

The DA Guideshould guide the overallpreparation of the SEE.

Some of the possible social impactsmay be able to be dealt with briefly.Where significant impacts areidentified, more information is generallyrequired. Applicants should indicatehow they intend to mitigate anynegative impacts that are foreseen.

For each potential positive andnegative impact, the SEE should

address the nature and extent ofthe impact:

How significant is it (major,minor)?

What is the extent of the impact(geography, time)?

Who may be affected by it(groups, communities)?

What may be done tomaximize/limit or eliminate theimpact (mitigation measures orchanges to design)?

Every attempt should be made to fullycover significant impacts. Council mayrequest additional information to enableit to properly assess the proposal.Presenting all relevant details will avoiddelays.

Hints for the preparation of thesocial impact comment

Identify the impact categories using

the social impact matrix.

Think carefully about your

development proposal especially

its interaction with the adjoining

area.

Think about the people who live

locally what are their

characteristics and their social

values.

Read through the relevant scoping

questions in the guide make

notes about how some of these

may apply to your development.

Highlight what data you might need

to collect.

Provide written comment for each

relevant impact category - use the

text of the scoping questions as a

guide if necessary.

Insert data when appropriate toback-up or explain your views about

the likely positive and negative

impacts.

Make a summary of the positive

and negative impacts. The use of a

table or diagram might assist in

presentation. Identify the most

significant impacts.

Finally, if there are any significant

negative social impacts, show how

these can be minimised.

Remember it is better to addressnegatives and demonstrate that

they have been appropriately dealt

with.


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See separate file for Matrix.


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6 Social Impact Statement (SIS)

6.1 Social Impact Statements

The Social Impact Statement (SIS)

Is only required in circumstances

outlined in Section 4.4.

Provide an in-depth analysis of social

impacts in complex proposals where

potential social impacts are possible.

Is usually a stand-alone document

accompanying a DA or included in aStatement of Environmental Effects

Should involve input from Council

staff at an early stage.

Will usually require carefully planned

community consultation.

Should aim to involve all interested

and affected parties.

Should be prepared by a qualified

social impact practitioner.

Will describe the positive social

impacts

Will describe how any potential

negative social impacts are

minimised or mitigated in the

interests of both the users of the

project and the wider community.

6.2 Four step process for a

Social Impact Statement

There are four main steps involved inthe preparation of a Social Impact

Statement (SIS). Sufficient time shouldbe anticipated for the entire process.

Step 1. The applicant contacts Council to

initiate discussion on the development

proposal including the social impact

assessment process and consults the

Guidance Notes to gain a better

understanding about what is likely to be

required for a particular development

assessment.

Step 2. The applicant hosts a pre-DA

community focus meeting. This will involve

the applicant, Council staff, key

stakeholders, and interested government

agencies including residents and other

interested groups.

Step 3. The applicant prepares terms of

reference(TOR) to guide the social impact

study in consultation with Council.

Step 4. The applicant prepares the Social

Impact Statement.

6.3 Step 1 Initial contact with

Council

The applicant should consult theGuidance Notes and contact theManager of Development and BuildingServices at Newcastle Council as earlyas possible in the process of preparing

a development application.

The applicant may wish to discuss theproposal in a pre-DA meeting withCouncil staff. The purpose of thispreliminary phase is for the applicant togain a fuller understanding of the socialimpact assessment process.

At this stage, Council officers willadvise whether the applicant shouldengage an independent suitably

qualified social impact practitioner toprepare the SIS.

6.4 Step 2 Community focus

meeting

Next, the applicant should, almostwithout exception, host a communityfocus meeting to scope the potentialimpact issues. Only in exceptionalcases would it be necessary to hold

further focus meetings.


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The community focus meeting is not apublic meeting. The applicant invitesstakeholders on an invitation basisonly.

Such stakeholders may include: Local resident group

representatives; Staff from local voluntary or

community service organisations;

Officers from interestedgovernment agencies (eg NSWHealth for a health relateddevelopment);

Relevant Council representatives; Other relevant stakeholders.

A facilitator appointed by the applicantwill be responsible for facilitating thecommunity focus meeting. The size ofthe focus meeting is best kept small.The number of participants will bedependent on the nature of thedevelopment.

The purpose of the meeting is toprovide input into the issues thatshould be addressed in the SIS (Step3). In essence it is a brainstormingexercise to scope the range of impactsthat may occur. The social impactmatrix categories from Section 5.3 canbe used as a guide but should not limitthe process. The facilitator shouldnote any conflicts or differences ofopinion between stakeholders.

It maybe appropriate to considercumulative effects. Inter-generationalequity issues may also be discussed

at this stage.

It is important to bear in mind that thecommunity focus meeting is not anexercise in mediation or conflictresolution. As discussed in section 1.8,mediation may occur as part of theapplication assessment process.

6.5 Step 3 Terms of Reference

The terms of reference (TOR) is thekey outcome of the community focusmeeting. The facilitator will be

responsible for the drafting the TORwhich will identify the issues to beaddressed in consultation with Council.

The TOR will provide provide guidancefor the social impact practitionerengaged to carry out the study. Thesocial impact practitioner shouldaddress the issues identified in theTOR as closely as possible.

Guide to Content of the Terms of

Reference

Key impact areas to be investigated.

Focus impact issues (critical issues

to be analysed in greatest depth).

Cumulative effects issues, if relevant.

Inter-generational equity.

List of interested and affected parties

(community, government,

individuals).

Consultation processes that should

be used (eg surveys, public

meetings, workshops, focus groups).

Summary of key tasks.

Time frame for the preparation of SIS.

6.6 Step 4 Production of the

Social Impact Statement

A qualified social impact practitionershould prepare the SIS. The progressof the study will largely be guided bythe terms of reference developed inStep 3. The structure of a typical SIS isshown in the box below.Structure of the Social Impact Statement

Purpose of the social impact

assessment.

Terms of Reference. Process undertaken (including public

consultation).

Assessment of key social impacts.

Assessment of other possible social

impacts.

Evaluation of significance and

probability of occurrence.

Consideration of possible measures

for mitigating identified negative

social impacts.

Monitoring program (if necessary).

Conclusions/recommendations.


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The applicant should lodge the SISwith the completed developmentapplication. It may be a stand alonedocument or be included in the SEE.

Council staff will assess whether theSIS fulfils the criteria set out in theTOR. If it is deemed inadequate, theCouncil may request that furtherinformation or further consultation beconducted.

6.7 Use of Social Impact

Practitioners

It is strongly advised that suitablyqualified social impact practitioners beengaged to prepare Social ImpactStatements. These should be personswith social science training andpreferably experience in the field.

An experienced social impactpractitioner is likely to be familiar withrelevant data and comparative cases.This knowledge may be invaluable inidentifying significant impacts that may

not be immediately apparent to eitherthe Council or the community.

There is no professional body forsocial impact practitioners in existencein Australia. Social impact practitionersmay have diverse backgrounds andwork in a wide range of settings. Theyinclude town planners, social planners,sociologists, and anthropologists.


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Appendix A - Data sources

Main sources

Newcastle City Council Social/community profiles and indicators

Cultural plan State of the Environment Reports Community services directory Historical land use information Development approval data Rate information number of dwellings, land

use categories Internet access at libraries

Australian Bureau ofStatistics

Census data (demographic,economic/employment, housing)

Census computer data products: CDATA,Cprofile, CLIB96 (check Newcastle RegionPublic Library and the University of Newcastlefor availability)

Manufacturing and retail censuses Building and construction data

Economic and employment/unemploymentdata

Social trends data

Disability data Victims of crime survey Health data Tourism data

NSW Government AgenciesNote all NSW government agency web sites can be accessed from this homepage.

NSW Bureau of CrimeStatistics and Research(Attorney GeneralsDepartment)

Crime statistics for NSW and LGAs Specialist crime data and comparative trend

analysis

Department ofCommunity Services

Supported accommodation information

Child abuse and domestic violence statistics

Department of EducationTraining

Enrolments in government and private schoolsEnrolment of special groups (Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islanders; Non-English Speaking Backgroundstudents)

Department of FairTrading

Rental Bond Board data (rents, type ofdwellings)


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Department of Housing Waiting list numbers Client profiles Housing stock information Boarding house data

Transport Data Centre

(Department ofTransport)

Passenger travel for all modes of transport (by

traffic zones and statistical local areas) Freight movement survey Journey to work data Information on future road and public transport

networks

Department of UrbanAffairs and Planning(including Housing Dataand Analysis Service)

Population projections (LGA and regions)

Demographic trend analyses

Urban Development Program (UDP) productiondata new release areas

Metropolitan Urban Development Program(MUDP) production data established areas

Employment Lands Development Program data

Housing data quarterly Rent and Sales Report Regional housing statistics and market analysis

NSW Health In-patient statistics (Casemix) Community health data Hospital facility data

Waiting list information

Range of health indicators (eg mortality data) Alcohol and drug dependency data

Police Department Mapped crime data by local commands(available through local police stations)

Crime data

Annual customer satisfaction surveys (levels ofreporting and police response)

Tourism New SouthWales

Visitor numbers (by country of origin) Tourist expenditure data Hotel/motel accommodation figures

Valuer GeneralsDepartment

Average house prices by type of dwelling andlocality (based on a typical sale not survey data)

Commonwealth Government Agencies

Centerlink

Number of persons on social security benefits(by postcode or region)

Department ofEmployment, Education,Training and YouthAffairs

DEETYA Small Area Labour Market QuarterlyStatistics (unemployment rates, labour forcedata)

Non-Government Organisations

Hunter Valley ResearchFoundation

Demographic and economic data


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Appendix B - Useful references

Armour, A. 1992, The challenge ofassessing social impacts, SocialImpact: The Social ImpactManagement Bulletin, vol. 1, no. 4.

Court & Guthrie 1994, Review ofCommonwealth Environmental ImpactAssessment Assessment ofCumulative Impacts and StrategicAssessment in Environmental ImpactAssessment, CommonwealthEnvironment Protection Agency,

Commonwealth of Australia.

Cox, G. 1994, Better CommunitiesThrough Social Impact Assessment,Office on Social Policy, NSWGovernment Social Policy Directorate.

Cox, G. 1995, Techniques for EffectiveSocial Impact Assessment: APractical Guide, Office on SocialPolicy, NSW Government Social PolicyDirectorate.

Cox, G. & Miers, S. 1995, SocialImpact Assessment for LocalGovernment: A Handbook forCouncillors, Town Planners and SocialPlanners, Local Government andShires Associations of NSW & NSWGovernment Social Policy Directorate.

Department of Urban Affairs andPlanning 1998, A Guide to Section 79Cof the EPA Act, NSW Government.

Finsterbusch, K., Llewellyn, L.G. andWolf, C.P. 1983, Social ImpactAssessment Methods, SagePublications, Beverly Hills, California.

Interorganisational Committee onGuidelines and Principles 1994,Guidelines and principles for socialimpact assessment, ImpactAssessment, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 107-

52.

Menzies, C. 1993, Ground Rules: ASocial Planning Handbook for LocalGovernment, Local Government &Shires Associations of NSW.

Ministry of Urban InfrastructureManagement 1998, Draft Guidelinesfor Assessing Social Impacts ofInfrastructure Projects, NSWGovernment.

Newcastle City Council 1998,Consultation Policy and Guidelines,Newcastle City Council.

Social Policy Development Unit 1997,Guidelines for Assessing SocialImpacts, The Cabinet Office, NSWGovernment.

South Sydney Council 1997, SouthSydney Safer Design Draft Policy,South Sydney Council, Zetland.

Taylor, C.N., Bryan, C.H. andGoodrich, C.G. 1995, SocialAssessment: Theory, Process andTechniques, Second Edition, TaylorBaines & Associates, Christchurch,New Zealand.

Upper Hunter Regional Organisation ofCouncils 1998, Draft Social ImpactChecklist, Upper Hunter RegionalOrganisation of Councils, NSW.

Vanclay, F. & Bronstein, D. 1995,Environmental and Social ImpactAssessment, John Wiley & Sons,Chichester, England.

Vanclay, F. 1998, Social ImpactAssessment Bibliography, computerdatabase, Centre for Rural SocialResearch, Charles Sturt University,Wagga Wagga.

unlock-social impact assessment policy

Documents