The contribution of rapid rural appraisal techniques to social impact assessment: the case of Ravensthorpe, Western Australia

Stehlik, Daniela and Browne, Alison L. and Buckley, Amma (2011) The contribution of rapid rural appraisal techniques to social impact assessment: the case of Ravensthorpe, Western Australia. In: Advances in social and economic impact assessment of mining activities. ANU E Press, Australia. (In Press)

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Abstract

The unexpected and unplanned-for closure of a major resource enterprise in Western Australia in early 2009, offered a unique opportunity to enable a deeper understanding of the impacts of such closures on small, remote communities. This chapter describes how the decision to close the Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation (RNO), proposed initially as a 20-25 year investment, so soon after the impact of the Global Financial Crisis in October 2009 – had a powerful impact, not only on the small communities of Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun, but also on the Shire and region as a whole. The research approach adopted to ‘make sense’ of this closure and its impacts, was that of rapid rural appraisal (RRR). The chapter outlines the geography and context to the decision, the methods adopted and some of the social impacts identified. It concludes with a brief reflection on the techniques and their value to the broader issue of research in the resources sector. Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRR) techniques were utilised to ensure that an early and rigorous analysis of the community impacts of the closure on January 21st 2009, of the BHP Billiton Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation (RNO) in Western Australia were documented and reported. As the media reporting of the event gained notoriety, anecdotes were increasingly being used to put various cases, both for and against. Our experience highlights the importance of the RRR technique to ensure that not only are as many views as possible ‘captured’ but also that it enables a local ‘snapshot’ early and quickly reported back to all stakeholders. Findings reported on then provided locally informed baseline information to assist in the development of future strategies for the Region. Focusing on the Ravensthorpe, Hopetoun and Jerdacuttup communities within the Shire of Ravensthorpe, the research developed an understanding of the range of social impacts of the RNO closure on: the community; perspectives on environmental impact; information flow post-closure; comparative measures of wellbeing; and community perspectives on opportunities for future regional development. A report was then prepared with a triple-bottom-line structure: social, environmental and economic impacts and made as widely available at possible. The research underlined the importance of ‘place’ in any such analysis, as this research concluded that each of the place-based communities (Ravensthorpe, Hopetoun, Jerdacuttup) experienced the impact differently: Ravensthorpe as the regional centre; Jerdacuttup as the ‘fence-line’ neighbour of the RNO ; and Hopetoun as the small coastal settlement that was transformed into a residential community for RNO workers (see map below Figure 1). This chapter outlines the approach taken, the context in which the RRR was undertaken, and its relevance to social impact assessment for mining communities. As a case study in this collected edition, it is necessarily brief. The full report can be found at www.strongercommunities.curtin.edu.au

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