The Australian Drilling Industry Association’s (ADIA) DRILL 2022 Conference and Exhibition, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre in May 2022, featured a presentation by the Landowner Information Service (LIS) titled Exploring Open Conversations with Landowners: What Works Well and Where It Can Go Amiss.
The presentation highlighted the critical relationship between drillers and landowners, and the significant impact that positive or negative interactions can have on exploration activities. ADIA invited LIS to present at the conference to raise awareness of the service and to provide practical communication strategies for drillers operating in South Australia.
Following an overview of the role of the Landowner Information Service in South Australia, the presentation focused on the period after a Notice of Entry has been issued and negotiations have been completed — when land access and on-ground exploration begins. Drillers can often find themselves caught in the middle or left without clear context, depending on what has transpired between the landowner and the resource company during earlier stages of engagement. When communication has not been handled well, it can make a driller’s job unnecessarily difficult.
The LIS works closely with resource companies to reinforce the importance of starting the process well in order to increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. Early, clear and respectful communication is essential. This includes clearly defining the intended exploration program, thoroughly explaining documentation and encouraging landowners to ask questions.
Companies that achieve the greatest success are those that go beyond basic compliance and genuinely listen to landowners, seeking to understand and respond to their concerns. Respectful relationships are central to smoothing the exploration process.
During the presentation, LIS shared case studies demonstrating how positive engagement can directly influence operational outcomes. In one example, a landowner assisted with mechanical repairs to a water cart, allowing drillers to continue work without delay. In another case, a landowner moved livestock to enable easier site access, preventing the need for drillers to shut gates repeatedly and interrupt operations.
A key message from the presentation was: “When you enter someone’s gate, you enter their life and livelihood.” Regular, open communication goes a long way toward building trust and cooperation. Additional best-practice steps include being open and honest in discussions, addressing issues early before they escalate, and demonstrating respectful behaviour at all times.
Through initiatives such as this presentation, the LIS continues to promote stronger communication practices between resource companies, drillers and landowners, supporting more constructive relationships and smoother exploration outcomes.