Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288:reg:6:p1
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 6 (pt 1/2)
Character Range: 3122624–3125736

6                   Case studies
Examples where effective community engagement practices were implemented early in the assessment of site contamination are provided below. Further case studies and examples of effective and ineffective engagement practices can be found in Heath et al. 2010.
6.1              Case study 1: Radioactive site in metropolitan area

Background
In 1997, a relatively undeveloped site in a metropolitan area was alleged to contain radioactive contamination. A site history and a radioactive survey were undertaken to assess the level of any immediate risks to public health. Following this, an engagement plan was developed prior to conducting a detailed site investigation.

Community engagement and risk communication plan
The following broad plan was formulated with the assistance of local government officers and elected members:
    * a consultation process, initially to inform targeted key members of the wider community prior to the detailed site assessment
    * following the site assessment, a wider engagement program with the local community to enable the community to contribute to decisions that could affect them.

Engagement and communication
The initial engagement involved informing and conducting meetings with:
    * identified community representatives
    * peak trade unions
    * elected members of local government
    * relevant government authorities and organisations.

Outcomes
The main outcomes of the initial engagement were that:
    * key members of the wider community were well informed about the contamination and the engagement process to be undertaken
    * these key stakeholders responded well and appeared satisfied that the issue was being managed in a logical and comprehensive manner
    * a level of trust and confidence in the consultants was established in the minds of the key stakeholders at the outset, which assisted further engagement with the community during the site assessment and remediation phases.

6.2              Case study 2: Ardeer, Victoria

Background
In 1989, severe lead contamination was confirmed in soil of a residential area in the Melbourne suburb of Ardeer. The site was used previously for secondary lead smelting and lead-acid battery manufacture. Measures were put in place to relocate residents of the severely affected properties and to assess contamination in the surrounding area. Accordingly, 19 properties had their soil remediated and ceiling dust was removed from 65 properties. The site assessment and the clean-up process necessitated engagement and communication with the residents.

Community engagement and risk communication plan
Following the establishment of a broad snapshot of the local Ardeer community, the EPA developed an engagement plan. The engagement process extended over three and a half years, from initial assessment to completion of the remediation. The plan was based upon the following principles:
    * identifying the affected community
    * being clear about the purpose of conveying information
    * accepting the rights of the residents and groups to contribute