Table 5.3a Process risks

Obtaining mandate

• Others challenge process

• Delays
• Increased costs
• Diverse community – moderate risk of happening

• Make sure all groups are involved in setting-up process
• Develop communication plan (eg, newsletter)

Gathering information

• People do not understand technical issues
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Important information not gathered in time

• Unnecessary conflict over options
• Delays
• All options not considered
• Technical issues complex – high risk of this happening
• Options cannot be fully reviewed
• Time delays

• Work out a process to introduce technical information
• Choose experts who can communicate
  
  
• Set timetable and do not proceed to next stage until people comfortable with info.

Misinformation

• Information from one person, group or the media distorts facts

• Unnecessary conflict
• Lost time as issues are relitigated

• Have a communication plan
• Get someone respected by all groups to write up and send out information

• Overestimation of what can be achieved

• Unrest if don’t deliver on promises (eg, about the process)
• Exhaustion for key people
• Some people excluded

• Think carefully about process and what is needed at the beginning
• Negotiate resources – don’t participate until this is in place

• Major challenges through to Appeal Court

• Failure to include all groups and consider perspectives
• Failure to consider alternatives to proposed options
• Poor communication

• Spend time on planning the project
• Identify the full range of interests
• Involve them from beginning
• Ensure have right information available