Campaign:
Burra Foods was planning a major expansion and upgrade of its Korumburra operations that would create up to 50 new full-time jobs and deliver water savings and environmental benefits. An Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Works Approvals Application (WAA) was required before construction could start.
Socom was engaged to assist in the development and implementation of a community engagement plan to support the WAA process. The purpose of the engagement was to ensure employees, suppliers, tanker drivers and the local community was aware of the project and Burra Foods had a clear understanding of any community concerns regarding the project. Thus minimising the risk of objections that could lead to VCAT and protection and enhancement of Burra Foods’ positive reputation.

Our Approach:
Socom worked closely with management at Burra Foods and the WAA environmental consultant to develop and implement an inclusive engagement plan using the following tools and tactics:

• Face-to-face briefings with near neighbours;
• Information expo sessions for employees, suppliers and community members;
• Display materials;
• Media materials and relations; and
• A Q&A project sheet to ensure that all of the information expo team had consistent, accurate information.

Socom also invited representatives of EPA. Burra Foods provided briefings and invitations to the information expos to key stakeholders including Regional Development Victoria; South Gippsland Shire Council and South Gippsland Water.

Results:
Socom prepared a community engagement report for inclusion in the successful works approvals application. There was no delay to the Works Approval application process due to concerns from the community.

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