The Landowner Information Service (LIS) was contacted after an exploration company unintentionally caused anxiety among landowners in the South East through unclear communication.
A Notice of Entry was issued to several broadacre cropping farmers, advising them of the company’s intention to undertake low-impact exploration on their properties. However, the notice did not clearly outline whether the exploration would be limited to existing tracks, fence lines and non-arable scrub, or whether access to prime cropping land was proposed.
This lack of clarity created unnecessary concern. Landowners were unsure whether exempt land would be affected, whether the company still intended to negotiate land access, and whether formal land access agreements would be provided.
Although on-ground operations were still months away, the exploration company had issued the Notices of Entry early to meet legislative requirements. In doing so, they underestimated the distress and uncertainty such notices can cause for primary producers.
Several landowners reached out to Grain Producers South Australia (GPSA) and the LIS to raise concerns about wet and boggy seasonal conditions, as well as biosecurity risks associated with third-party access to their land.
Recognising the need for clear, factual information, the LIS and GPSA worked together to reduce apprehension and create an opportunity for direct engagement between landowners and the exploration company. At GPSA’s suggestion, the company hosted an information session for affected landowners.
The LIS played an important role in the session, providing an independent and trusted service for landowners to access further information and better understand their rights.
Following the meeting, the exploration company continued to work with both GPSA and the LIS to improve its engagement approach, strengthening communication with landowners and raising awareness across surrounding communities.
