Environment and Approvals Visual Presentation EA03: Avoid the short path to the long road – strategic imperatives for regulatory approvals and stakeholder engagement

Environment and Approvals Visual Presentation EA03 While every project is different, the dynamics of major project approvals and government relations are common to many. This paper distils key lessons from observations of project trajectories from discovery to development, offering energy industry stakeholders a strategic lens through which to view their own approval pathways and stakeholder engagement approach. Successful projects consistently demonstrate early, transparent engagement with government and stakeholders, a proactive approach to risk management, and a commitment to building confidence through technical excellence, strategy, and communication. Key aspects of project success – science and engineering, land access, and social licence – are not just project hurdles but strategic imperatives. Projects that fail to address these aspects comprehensively often face delays, increased costs, or fail to ever get off the ground. The paper will explore common challenges in stakeholder engagement, infrastructure planning, and regulatory navigation, highlighting how early identification and resolution of issues can dramatically improve outcomes. It will also unpack the importance of company culture, consultant/contractor selection, and government engagement in shaping project trajectories. For energy proponents, the message is clear: either front-end load the identification and resolution of issues or end up on the short path to the long road. By treating government as a strategic partner, investing in quality engagement, technical expertise and engineering, and maintaining rigorous project oversight, companies can unlock faster, more flexible approvals and build enduring trust with regulators, investors, and communities. To access the Visual Presentation click on 'Supplementary data' below. To read the full paper click here