Community engagement for infrastructure projects differs from other projects due to their scale and potential impact on the community’s daily life. Even small infrastructure projects often involve significant changes to the physical environment. This can lead to disruptions to the community and therefore an increased risk of backlash, complaints and subsequent delays to the project.
Why have a community engagement plan?
An effective engagement plan is crucial for the success of infrastructure projects. Whether it’s upgrading the wastewater network, building a new overpass, or constructing a new sports stadium, the success of any infrastructure project depends on community buy-in and social licence. Early meaningful engagement can ensure the community feels heard and valued and will set the project off on the right foot to building trust and collaboration.
Following are five critical inclusions in a community engagement plan for infrastructure projects:
1. Social data and local context
Qualitative and quantitative data and community insights from within the project footprint area provides local context and informs the development and implementation of engagement activities and the most effective and accessible communication methods.
2. Stakeholder analysis
Consider carefully each stakeholder groups’ level of interest in and level of impact by the project. Also, what risks they present and what their priorities are. Thorough analysis enables better targeted communication and a better understanding of the level of engagement and most effective engagement methods.
And don’t forget to consider what benefits the project will bring to each group! Some groups might receive no benefit at the end of the project, which is important to identify early.
3. Key messages
Seems obvious but it is critical from the outset of an infrastructure project to ensure everyone is communicating the same message. Going off message can lead to confusion among stakeholders, leading to misinformation and a loss of confidence in the project team.
4. Negotiables and non-negotiables
What can the community influence? What is in and out of scope for the project? Clarity and transparency on these items will help to manage the community’s expectations about their involvement in the project.
Consider adding an educational element to your communications and explain to stakeholders why an item is non-negotiable, using simple language and diagrams.
5. Risk identification and management
A thorough risk assessment is imperative to identify risks from stakeholders and communication and engagement activities. Without understanding these risks and developing strategies to manage or mitigate these risks the project is open to reputational damage, increased costs and delays to the project and the loss of its social licence.
Creating an engagement plan for your next infrastructure project
Including these sections in your next infrastructure project’s engagement plan will enhance your engagement, build trust with stakeholders, reduce project risk and help retain your social licence.
If you need assistance planning the engagement for your infrastructure project, we are up to the challenge! Contact us below or email us at info@articulous.com.au
