As part of the “Towards a New Energy Future” package, the Australian Government committed $30.4 million to undertake the Geological and Bioregional Assessment (GBA) program. The GBA program will provide independent scientific advice on the potential impacts of shale and tight gas development on water and the environment in three onshore Australian basins.
The GBA program recognised the need to deliver assessment products that meet the information needs of key stakeholders. To address this, user panels have been established in the target regions as part of the assessment. Comprised of key stakeholders for the regions, panels include state, territory & local governments, commonwealth agencies, traditional owners, land holders, natural resource managers, and petroleum companies. The panels provide an opportunity for users to advise program staff of their information needs, and a forum for the program to engage with and advise members on assessment progress and findings. Members are asked to provide community or organisation views on the unconventional gas industry, potential impacts on the environment & water, and to feedback program progress and findings to their communities. The panels provide a two-way street that allows the program to understand our user’s information needs, while building confidence and trust in the underpinning science.
Where appropriate user panel meetings are held in assessment regions, and provide opportunities to take panellists into the field to see the environment and industry. By visiting and discussing key environmental, cultural and industry sites, field experiences aim to improve stakeholder understanding of industry practices and the regional environment.