Course overview
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment is widely applied throughout the world to assess and predict potential adverse social and environmental impacts and to develop suitable mitigation measures for major development projects. The course aims to provide an overview of impacts, measures and processes involved in assessment and how these can be used effectively in environmental management. The course will also examine key environmental management legislation in South Australia and at the Commonwealth level, with an overall aim of producing critically aware practitioners.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the current nature and direction of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) policy in an international and Australian context.
- Explain the roles and legislative powers of the states, Commonwealth (and international organisations) in managing natural resources at a state and national level, including their scope and legislative mandate and the role ESIA plays.
- Critically apply elements of ESIA using diverse information sources and be able to synthesise material to present relevant information to assess environmental and social impacts from developments.
- Critically appraise the value of ESIA techniques and discuss their future development and application.
- Manage the preparation of an environmental statement from scoping and specification writing through to final completion.
- Combine technical and academic environmental knowledge and skills with professional, management and consulting skills.