Even on the most high-risk projects in the some of the most challenging locations, it is possible and advantageous to progress the social and environmental aspirations of host communities and contribute to improving the lives of those communities. This paper case studies a number of complex projects that have prompted and contributed to long-term, sustainable development.

In particular, the paper presents the case study of an Indigenous Australian community’s efforts to pro-actively prepare for, and promote, oil and gas development on Indigenous-owned land, progressed with joint development goals and aspirations. This experience essentially establishes a new approach to company-community interactions for land access and petroleum development and provides a new model that many communities and developers will undoubtedly be keen to emulate.

The case study considers:

• the importance of establishing the broader social aspirations of communities in relation to the petroleum development at the outset;
• the criticality of establishing a mutual understanding the commercial, non-negotiable parameters of the developer;
• the cumulative impacts and opportunities for both developer and community of multiple, large scale projects;
• the role of government and donors; and,
• the limitations of developers in contributing to broader social development.

Through the analysis of case studies, the paper examines environmental and social impact assessment and performance techniques used to understand and manage the risks and opportunities of oil and gas development. The paper expands the boundaries of leading practice in respect to environmental and social impact assessment, community engagement and social responsibility in the oil and gas industry.