About the event

Communities are more than just project stakeholders, they are the places where people build their lives. Understanding how infrastructure projects can contribute to community wellbeing beyond mitigating measures requires a nuanced understanding.

Community wellbeing encompasses a complex balance of social, economic, cultural, environmental and geopolitical dimensions, which can be difficult to identify, understand, measure and manage. This panel discussion explores these challenges through the lens of experienced practitioners from government, international development and consulting.

Join us for an important dialogue that can lead to better decision-making for proponents and improved outcomes for communities. The event is offered in hybrid mode, with attendance possible in person (at GHD's office, Sydney) or online (via Zoom).

What to Expect

You'll gain practical insights and approaches for identifying, measuring and managing both tangible and intangible impacts on communities. The session will cover real-world experiences from government policy development, international development contexts, and energy transition projects. Thought-provoking discussions will focus on how to shift from managing impacts on communities to enhancing their wellbeing, with perspectives from three expert practitioners at the forefront of social sustainability.

Who Should Attend?

This event is ideal for infrastructure planners, social practitioners, project managers of environmental and social impact assessment, community engagement specialists, and anyone involved in infrastructure development projects with an interest in understanding and enhancing community wellbeing outcomes. Whether you're working in planning, social sustainability, stakeholder engagement, impact assessment or project delivery, this session will provide valuable insights for improving community-focused decision-making.

Meet the Speakers

Lisa Honan, Managing Director at Briar Consulting

Lisa Honan has spent 20 years shaping infrastructure policy, driving complex statutory approvals and navigating the interplay between industry and government. Lisa is a Registered Planner, an IAP2 Practitioner and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Lisa was formerly Director of Strategic Infrastructure Planning and Delivery at the NSW Department of Planning and Environment where she led the NSW Government’s Social Impact Guideline policy approach in 2021 and more recently has been working on the enabling infrastructure challenges as we progress the energy transition.

Rachelle Marburg, Senior Social Development Specialist, World Bank, Sydney

Rachelle Marburg leads social risk management efforts across the Pacific, supporting investment projects to identify and mitigate social risks. With 20 years’ experience in environmental and social risk management, Rachelle has worked extensively across Europe, Africa, central and south east Asia, and the Pacific. Her career includes previous roles at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Barclays Bank, and ERM. Since joining the World Bank in 2017, she has become a key figure in building environmental and social (E&S) capacity in the Pacific region and is currently spearheading a regional project focused on strengthening safeguards and social sustainability.

Thomas Watt, Director Planning and Policy, Planning and Communities, EnergyCo

Thomas Watt is a Registered Planner with deep expertise in strategic land use, environmental assessment, and infrastructure delivery. As Director of Planning and Policy at EnergyCo, he leads approvals for electricity transmission projects driving the state’s renewable energy future. Thomas has shaped major initiatives like the Pyrmont Peninsula Place Strategy and played a pivotal role in launching NSW’s first renewable energy zone and Community and Employment Benefit program. He holds a Bachelor of Planning and a Master’s in Environmental Management.

Pallavi Mandke, Senior Technical Director - Social Sustainability, GHD

Pallavi Mandke is a social sustainability professional, with specialisation and interest in social impact/risk assessment, social performance, social safeguards and policy making, community planning/development, stakeholder engagement and social research.

Pallavi has led and managed a number of projects in the context of both, developed and developing countries in Asia Pacific across a range of different industry sectors such as, mining, oil and gas, tourism, transport and education, and including the planning and international development sector. Her diverse industry and geographical exposure and strong academic and research background has provides her with a holistic understanding of complex community development issues, balancing industry growth and community aspirations, realising the supporting role of policy, legislation and governance in fostering community development and working in multi-cultural environments.

Thanks to our Event Host

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