Extractive Industry and Sustainable Regional Development
Extractive Industry and Sustainable Regional Development Report
- Author(s): Syme Marmion & Co,
- Published: 2010
- Publisher: Western Australian Regional Development Council
Abstract: This study into the relationship between community sustainability and the extractive industries has been prepared for the Regional Development Council at an interesting point in Western Australia’s resource development. The growth of the Western Australian resources industry from 1998 to 2008 barely paused with the impact of the global financial crisis and in 2010 demand for oil, gas and minerals is again growing. Importantly, the demand is supported by projections for increased production that is catalysing growth in the State’s Northwest and Midwest. The report is in three parts: Executive Summary, Report and Appendices. The Report describes the diversity of the extractive industries in Western Australia by looking at: •Western Australia’s historic approach to mining and community development, •The response to changes in technology and lifestyle expectations of the workforce •Current investment policy frameworks (both public and private) •Issues of significance for Government at local, State and Federal levels. •Best Practice in terms of sustainable development and community investment through: o the adoption of internationally recognised mechanisms for benchmarking the quality and efficiency of such investment by companies o the commitment of companies in the extractive industries to corporate social responsibility principles and investment in community development o current community capacity to identify and respond to local needs The Appendices provide: •A geographic and demographic context locating mining and communities in Western Australia •Examples of international practice and local best practice •A discussion of community sustainability in the Western Australian context •A spreadsheet detailing available information relating to the value and extent of corporate social programmes by major companies in Western Australia’s extractive industries Please note that the regions referred to throughout the Report are as defined by the State Government’s Regional Development Commission boundaries.