Researchers Workshop

12th May, 2003

Facilitator: The workshop was facilitated by Dr Helen Cheney, Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology, Sydney.

The Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) was established by the University of Technology, Sydney in 1996 to work with industry, government and the community to develop sustainable futures through research, consultancy and training. Sustainable futures result from economic and social development that protects and enhances the environment, human well-being and social equity.

INDEX

Introduction
Aims of the Workshop
Research Presentations
Panel and small group discussion
Panel reflections
Small group discussion
Summary and outcomes of the day
Participants Reflections
APPENDIX A — PRESENTATIONS
APPENDIX B — PARTICIPANTS
APPENDIX C —FINDINGS OF THEMATIC GROUPS

Introduction

There is a diverse range of social and economic research taking place within the Bowen Basin area of Central Queensland. This research may relate directly to mining, such as impact assessment for particular development proposals, or it may be focused on social issues or trends within mining communities. Discussions between researchers and staff within the Department of the Premier and Cabinet led to a proposal that a workshop be held to find out more about this area of research.

The workshop was coordinated by the Community Engagement Division of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and an invitation was made to researchers involved in current and potential studies of social/economic issues affecting mining dependent or semi-dependent communities in the Bowen Basin. In response many researchers were keen to present their research for discussion. The workshop was well attended by researchers, government personnel and representatives for the mining industry.

The workshop format was more formal in the first part of the day, with researchers providing a brief presentation, followed by questions and discussion. The second part of the day began with a panel giving reflections on the morning and then small groups worked on a number of different themes. Arising from a discussion of future directions for social and economic research in the Bowen Basin the potential for a research network to be developed was identified and agreed upon. There was a need to find ways to share results of research and collaborate on projects.

The potential for funding opportunities was also discussed.

Aims of the Workshop:

Provide an opportunity to exchange professional views and information on research studies affecting mining dependent or semi dependent communities in the Bowen Basin area of Central Queensland.
Identify current and prospective research into social or economic issues affecting Bowen Basin Mining Communities.
Seek collaborations, co-ordination and alignment of research efforts.
Develop possible protocols for researchers in the area.Identify and minimise duplication amongst research projects where feasible

Research presentations

A range of research was presented:

Understanding Knowledge, Justice and Change in Sustainable Development in Regional Communities by Fiona Solomon and Evie Katz, CSIRO Minerals.
The Economic and Social Impacts of the Coppabella Mine on Nebo and the Mackay Region by John Rolfe and Stewart Lockie, Centre for Social Science Research, Central Queensland University.
Study Findings – Youth Suicide Prevention & Social Capital in the Mackay Region by Helen Waite, Queensland Centre for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Central Queensland University.
Wellbeing of Women and Children in Mining Communities in the Bowen Basin by Susan Rees, Queensland Centre for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Central Queensland University.
Population Trends and Socio-economic Characteristics of Bowen Basin Communities by Ross Barker & Alison Taylor, Planning Information and Forecasting Unit, Department of Local Government and Planning.
Developing Social Indicators for Mining Associated Communities by David Brereton, Centre for Social Responsibility, The University of Queensland.
BTRE – Regional Centres Project by Kerry Laughton, Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics.
ACMER projects relevant to Sustainable Mining in the Bowen Basin by Owen Nichols, Australian Centre for Mining Environmental Research.
Priorities in the area of Social Research – ACARP in 2003 by John Merritt, Anglo Coal, ACARP Representative.

Panel and small group discussion

A Panel gave critical reflections and feedback on the presentations including impressions, potential for collaboration and co-operation and identified gaps in social and economic research. The members of the Panel were:

Mr Roger Wischusen, Manager, Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP)
Ms Lisa Pollard, Principal Policy Officer, Innovation Unit, Department of Communities
Mr Keith Barker, Queensland Mining Council
Professor Bob Miles, Institute for Sustainable Regional Development, Central Queensland University
Ms Fiona Martin, Office of Regional Development, Department of State Development

Panel reflections

Mr Roger Wischusen, Manager, Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP):

It is obvious that a large amount of important research is being conducted and there is perhaps a bit of duplication.
The group seems to want to achieve a partnership and if this happens it will be a major accomplishment.
However he feels that researchers and mining companies will find it difficult to ever really work together.
Gaps in the research need to be addressed and ACARP are willing to help with that.

Ms Lisa Pollard, Principal Policy Officer, Innovation Unit, Department of the Premier and Cabinet:

There are issues of how to connect and work with people.
Key themes of the workshop have been mine closure and the effects on the community.
There is a need to use information for social indicators and carefully analyse the results.
We need to look at key areas of commonality and what everyone thinks would be fair in managing and clarifying expectations.
Discussion on involving the coal industry in research through case studies.
There are global industry links, what comparative research links are there?

Mr Keith Barker, Queensland Mining Council :

Workshop a great success. There seems to be a lot of people researching a lot of topics but there is a need for better planning. How does this region differ from others? Is the problem unique to mining or is it a part of broader problems?
Bowen Basin should be planning for the future instead of looking at the past.
A true partnership with State Government, Local Government and the community needs to be developed.
Look at other regional planning that is already in place and consider how we can use something that already exists eg WHAM 2015 & CQ ANM.
We need to put in the structure of where we want to go and concentrate on the future.
Facilitating change and whole of life planning and extending communities past the 40 year life of mining.What role does the Government play, what does the mining company play or is it a social economic issue?
Must look at what funds that we have collectively and how can it best be spent.
Bowen Basin region provides royalties to Government but basic services are apparently not available. Where is the money going?

Professor Bob Miles, Institute for Sustainable Regional Development, Central Queensland University:

Mining industry is very committed to work in health and safety and the industry is aware of on and off-site external safety.
The overall social environment is important in achieving this.
The industry is reluctant to be dictating to the workforce what they can do away from work.
Possibility this is a reason why there is a reluctance to take on such research.
Industry is keen to understand changes and is looking for assistance from the researchers.
The industry expects a very long future and wants to plan for the future.
Communication is very important.
Comment from the Mayor that Emerald has not really had such a hard time of it and suggests that diversity has a lot going for it and should think about how we can diversify in this area.

Ms Fiona Martin, Office of Regional Development, Department of State Development :

Praised the project and identified a need to integrate this research.
Identified economic synergies from the mining industry, such as supply chains and jobs for local businesses and the need for industry partnerships, education and training.

Small group discussion :

In consultation with Workshop participants a number of thematic areas were suggested. The groups were asked to examine four key questions relevant to these themes; what they would take away? links? understandings? and next steps? The following topics were suggested as a starting point for group discussion:

impacts assessment
issues of change and regional development
specific individual projects; economic diversification
the jigsaw of people, projects and funding
how to make strategic links: and ACARP and industry funding.

Summary and outcomes of the day:

In addition to the valuable discussion and development of relationships on the day, the most significant outcome from the workshop was the establishment of a Bowen Basin Research Network. A group was formed to coordinate the network and to act on a number of suggestions made by the group. These included the establishment of a website containing details of both past and current relevant research projects and an email list. It was agreed that the network would be informal and focused on research related to the region.

It was also suggested that a second forum be held in order to build on the activity of the "Positive Futures in Mining Communities" held in Moranbah in November 2000. Another suggestion was that an annual planning meeting be held for researchers. Both the forum and future meetings could also be an opportunity for the research network to meet again and continue developing the ideas discussed at this workshop. These included:

the need to identify and agree on research priorities to reduce any overlap in research activities
to further understanding of social and economic research
to continue dialogue with industry
to assist government with regional planning
and to explore research partnerships and funding options.

A number of significant research gaps were also identified. These include:

health issues related to an ageing workforce
ethnographic studies of mining communities
links between social issues and mining community industry patterns such as work/home commuting.

Participants Reflections:

In the final exercise all participants provided their reflections and feedback on the day:

Owen Nichols: Companies struggle to decide what are the financial priorities of small communities and it would be appreciated if there were policies or guidelines to assist with these decisions.

Lisa Pollard: Asked to make a time to meet for the network group.

Stewart Lockie: Felt the work discussed today has been beneficial to make sure the research is used.

John Merritt: How to take it forward from today to include ACARP?

Janet Benson: Good connections, which will be further developed through the website. One cannot work in isolation and there is a need to connect and form partnerships.

Stephen Schwarten: Hopes that all participants keep the commitments made at this forum and he will continue to liaise with local government and the community in the region.

Lynda Herbert-Cheshire: Positive.

Patrick Noonan: Positive.

Helen Waite: Really worthwhile, new opportunities, new problems to address and let's get started.

Susan Rees: Positive and has learnt a lot which will enhance her research.

Ross Barker: Need to work collaboratively.

Alison Taylor: Echo Stewart's view. It is always good to have people appreciate what you (PIFU) do and the importance of it confirmed and the need for a wider audience to be given the information as well. Would like to see a repeat forum like Moranbah. I am now convinced that this research is very important.

Roger Wischusen: Emphasised the strength of this work and liked the breakdown of isolated positions and the sharing of views that occurred during the day.

John Morris: Fantastic, will be in touch with John (ACARP) and will work closer with the whole of this group and the community in this region.

Rhys Worrall: Great enthusiasm and looks forward to the network being established.

Jim Grundy: Useful exercise, from this, it can only get stronger.

Gail Kelly: Looking forward to reflecting on the similarities of the issues raised. The desire and the need to work more closely.

Fiona Solomon: Quality of the discussion has been so good. The outcomes have been excellent.

Evie Katz: Gained a lot as not a local. Relieved to see they are not duplicating and looks forward to sharing information.

Bill Higham: The region warrants this attention. . The challenges are to pick up this amazing amount of work, to look at it and apply it. Progress this and continue with it. Looking for the project team to progress on behalf of everybody.

Frank Gilbert: Ownership of the network is about to be created. There is a need to show the community of mining communities good deliberation, communication and engagement. Look forward to the possibility of holding another future search style conference similar to Moranbah

APPENDIX A -- PRESENTATIONS

1. Understanding Knowledge, Justice and Change in Sustainable Development in Regional Communities by Fiona Solomon and Evie Katz, CSIRO Minerals

2. The Economic and Social Impacts of the Coppabella Mine on Nebo and the Mackay Region by John Rolfe and Stewart Lockie, Centre for Social Science Research, Central Queensland University.3.

Study Findings Youth Suicide Prevention & Social Capital in the Mackay Region by Helen Waite, Queensland Centre for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Central Queensland University.

4. Wellbeing of Women and Children in Mining Communities in the Bowen Basin by Susan Rees, Queensland Centre for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Central Queensland University.

5. Population Trends and Socio-economic Characteristics of Bowen Basin Communities by Ross Barker & Alison Taylor, Planning Information and Forecasting Unit, Department of Local Government and Planning

6. Developing Social Indicators for Mining Associated Communities by David Brereton, Centre for Social Responsibility, The University of Queensland.

7. BTRE - Regional Centres Project by Kerry Laughton, Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics.

8. ACMER projects relevant to Sustainable Mining in the Bowen Basin by Owen Nichols, Australian Centre for Mining Environmental Research.

9. Priorities in the area of Social Research - ACARP in 2003 by John Merritt, Anglo Coal, ACARP Representative.

APPENDIX B -- PARTICIPANTS

Researchers:

Title	Name	Surname	Position	Association
Dr	Neil	Paulsen	Lecturer	School of Business, University of Queensland
Dr	Fiona	Solomon	Research Fellow	CSIRO Minerals
Dr	Evie	Katz	Social Scientist	CSIRO Minerals
Mr	Rhys	Worrall	Scientific Officer	Exploration and Mining Division
Dr	Gail	Kelly	Urban & Regional Futures CSIRO	CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Gungahin
Dr	Stewart	Lockie	Director Centre for Social Science Research	Central Queensland University
Assoc Prof.	Helen	Waite	Senior Research Officer Queensland Centre for the Prevention of Domestic & Family Violence	Central Queensland University
Dr	Susan	Rees	Postdoctoral Research Fellow Queensland Centre for the Prevention of Domestic & Family Violence	Central Queensland University
Prof	Bob	Miles	Executive Director Institute for Sustainable Regional Development	Central Queensland University
Prof.	David	Brereton	Director Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining	University of Queensland
Dr	Lynda	Herbert-Cheshire	Post Doctoral Research Fellow School of Social Science	University of Queensland
Dr	Owen	Nichols	Research Program Manager Australian	Centre for Mining Environmental Research (ACMER)
Dr	John	Rolfe	Assoc. Prof. in Regional Economic Development Faculty of Business and Law & Centre for Environmental Management	Central Queensland University
Mr	Ross	Barker	Manager	Planning Info & Forecasting Unit, Dept Local Govt & Planning
Ms	Kerry	Laughton	Researcher	Bureau of Transport & Regional Economics
Ms	Alison	Taylor	Principal Demographer Planning Information & Forecasting Unit	Department of Local Government and Planning
Mr	John	Merritt	Senior Environmental Advisor ACARP Representative	Anglo Coal (Capcoal Management) Pty Ltd
Facilitator:
Ms	Helen	Cheney	Senior Research Fellow	Institute for Sustainable Futures University of Technology
Observers:
Mr	Roger	Wischusen	Manager	Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP)
Ms	Lisa	Pollard	Principal Policy Officer	Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Ms	Fiona	Martin	Principal Advisor	Office of Regional Development Department of State Development
Mr	Keith	Barker	Representative	Queensland Mining Council
Cr	Peter	Maguire	Mayor	Emerald Shire Council
Bowen Basin Partnerships Project Management Group:
Mr Region	Frank	Gilbert	Regional Manager Mackay/Whitsunday	Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Mr	Patrick	Noonan	A/Strategic Projects Manager Mackay/Whitsunday Region	Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Mrs	Louise	McLennan	A/Executive Support Officer Mackay/Whitsunday Region	Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Mr	Bill	Higham	Regional Manager Central Queensland RegionRockhampton	Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Mr	Arthur	Hunt	Principal Projects Manager Central Queensland RegionRockhampton	Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Mr	Jim	Grundy	Regional Manager Mines	Department of Natural Resources, Mines
Mr	John	Morris	Director State Development Centre, Mackay	Department of State Development
Mr	Stephen	Schwarten	Senior Policy Officer Office of Rural Communities	Department of Primary Industries
Ms	Janet	Benson	Principal Policy Officer Regional Strategy and Policy	Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Unable to attend:
Ms	Paula	Thomson	Manager	Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Dr	Martin	Bell	Demographer	Qld Centre for Population Research University of Queensland
Ms	Maree	Franettovich	Research Consultant	Centre for Social Science Research Central Queensland University
Dr	Judith	Winternitz	Deputy Executive Director	Bureau of Transport & Regional Economics
Dr	Neil	Paulsen	Lecturer School of Business	University of Queensland
Dr	Lee	Di Milia	Senior Lecturer	School of Management Central Queensland University

APPENDIX C -- FINDINGS OF THEMATIC GROUPS

Network

local
manageable scope
website - government
update every quarter
content
- name of project
- researcher
- summary
- link to other websites
- social research
- similar areas and comparative studies not included

Understandings

Structural change in the area creating friction and opportunities opportunity to make inter-sectoral links especially because of the special relationship with coal industry.

Steps

One website with a small project team:

David Brereton
Arthur Hunt
Stewart Lockie
Lisa Pollard
Mining Industry
CSIRO

Linkages

email list
website
ISRD as an organiser?

Target

mine site
people at this workshop

Action

Approach Bob Miles to set up web pages under ISRD?

Forum

a repeat of Moranbah forum in 2003 not covering old ground
involvement of groups in Moranbah? as a way of building network
repeat planning session each year

Warning

Don't expect the group to do to much informal network a dedicated group.

Gaps in Research

involvement of local government no regional organisation
mining companies
development groups
planning groups

Gaps in Research

ageing workforce, health issues
ethnography studies of communities
links between social issues and mining community patterns (eg live on the course, worker productivity.

Outcomes wanted

identifying and agreeing on what are priority issues
ensuring that there is not overlapping activities ignorant of each other

Key takeaways

Understanding and Linkages/Networking

Next step

Continue Development of Understanding:

initial Stages of Progress, there is
more to be understood

Draw Industry into Social Framework:

funded Scoping Study
showcasing at CEO level

Clarify information needs:

industry
justification for Govt Planning
direct industry effects

Economic diversification

Community consultation including unions

Future directions

uniqueness of mining communities v rural/regional or other resource dependence communities
who is the audience for the research
importance of applied research
need for a more integration(partnership) approach: - Government (three tiers): industry, community, researchers eg: ARC Linkage.
importance of Clearing House
collating previous/current
research, literature review/library
need for closer dialogue with industry

Issues in forming partnerships

who owns it? who controls it? what will the outcomes be?

Please click on this link to access a list of research network participants and their contact details.

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