When Should a Project Proponent Engage a Land Access Consultant?

Land Access Partners null

Aug 19

2 min read

For mining, energy, infrastructure and other projects, securing land access can be critical to keeping a project on schedule. While some proponents manage land access internally, engaging a specialist land access consultant at the right time can reduce delays, improve stakeholder relationships and help manage project risk.

1. At the early planning stage

Ideally, land access should be considered before a project reaches the fieldwork or construction stage.

A land access consultant can help identify affected landholders, understand the relevant land tenure and identify potential access constraints. Early assessment allows the proponent to incorporate land access requirements into the broader project schedule.

2. When multiple landholders are involved

Projects can involve numerous landowners, pastoralists, traditional owners and other stakeholders.

Managing these relationships can become time-consuming for project teams. A land access consultant can coordinate engagement, maintain communication and help ensure that commitments made to landholders are properly recorded and managed.

3. Before negotiations begin

Engaging a consultant before approaching landholders can help a proponent develop an appropriate negotiation strategy.

This may include determining the proposed access requirements, understanding potential landholder concerns and developing a consistent approach to compensation, access arrangements and project communications.

4. When negotiations become difficult

Not every land access negotiation proceeds smoothly. Landholders may have concerns about disruption to farming operations, environmental impacts, compensation, timing or the nature of the proposed activities.

A specialist consultant can provide an independent and practical approach to negotiations and help identify solutions that work for both the proponent and the landholder.

5. When project deadlines are approaching

Land access problems can become particularly costly when they arise shortly before drilling, construction or other time-critical activities.

If access arrangements have not been resolved, field activities may need to be delayed or rescheduled. Engaging a consultant early enough to identify and address these issues can significantly reduce this risk.

6. When internal resources are limited

Even where a project has experienced legal, approvals or stakeholder teams, land access can require substantial day-to-day engagement.

A specialist consultant can provide additional capacity without requiring the proponent to establish a permanent internal land access function.

Engage early, not only when there is a problem

The most effective time to engage a land access consultant is generally before land access becomes a project constraint.

Early involvement allows the proponent to understand its land access requirements, develop a clear engagement strategy and establish relationships with affected stakeholders before activities commence.

For project proponents, land access is not simply an administrative requirement. It is a project risk that should be actively managed from the outset. A specialist land access consultant can help ensure that access arrangements are practical, properly managed and aligned with the project's schedule and objectives.