Session 4. Oral Presentation for: Managing social transition in the Pilbara: Woodside Energy’s North West approach to growth, decline and community outcomes

Presented on 19 May 2026: Session 4 Woodside Energy’s North West (NW) Social Transition planning explores both growth and decline scenarios to evaluate social and economic impacts of its activities within the City of Karratha. This proactive assessment underlines Woodside’s commitment to socially responsible development activities and late life asset management. It builds on years of social impact assessment work conducted by Woodside to understand the impacts and opportunities of its operations for its host communities. By integrating both growth trajectories and decline scenarios, the social transition assessment is focused on the potential impacts associated with operational change. Underpinned by stakeholder and community interdependency mapping, it combines quantitative and qualitative data to establish baseline conditions and identify emerging community priorities. Engagement with Traditional Owners, local and state government, local contractors and community groups is informing the development of targeted Impact Management Plans. The NW Social Transition aims to mitigate potential adverse outcomes, such as workforce contraction, impact to community services, and shifts in local procurement and identify potential opportunities to enhance positive outcomes such as local capacity building, employment programs and social investment. Central to this effort is a continuous feedback loop with community representatives. To access the Oral Presentation click ‘Supplementary data’ below. To read the full paper click here