Name
Greg Rafferty
Job title
Head of Social Impact
Organisation
DT Infrastructure
Speaker biography
Greg Rafferty leads Social Impact at DT Infrastructure, where he drives embed meaningful, measurable change through social procurement, community development and inclusive employment. Since joining the construction sector in 2017, Greg has led nationally recognised initiatives that deliver long-term social and economic outcomes for priority jobseekers, First Nations communities, and local suppliers. Greg has developed enduring partnerships with Aboriginal businesses, social enterprises, and community organisations to embed lasting social value into project delivery. He was named John Holland’s Employee of the Year in 2020 and NAWIC Industry Ally in 2024 for his contribution to social inclusion and gender equality.
Speaking At
AWIF Presentation title
The importance of social value to project success
AWIF Presentation summary
Queensland’s Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2025 represents a significant shift in how renewable energy and large-scale infrastructure projects engage with communities. For the first time, proponents must complete a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and negotiate a Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) with local government before lodging a development application. This reform embeds social performance as a foundational element of project success, ensuring host communities share in the benefits of the clean energy transition. This presentation will explore how these changes elevate social impact from a compliance requirement to a strategic priority. We will examine the importance of authentic community engagement, the development and maintenance of social licence across the project lifecycle, and practical steps for integrating social considerations into early planning. Drawing on DT Infrastructure’s experience delivering projects in complex social and regulatory environments, we will unpack the core components of community development, highlight emerging expectations from regulators and communities, and outline approaches for designing meaningful, place-specific benefit-sharing initiatives. We will also discuss the opportunities and challenges this new framework presents for proponents—from navigating stakeholder expectations and negotiating CBAs to building internal capability and governance that enable sustainable and respectful delivery. As Queensland accelerates renewable energy development, this reform marks a turning point: shifting social impact from an afterthought to a driver of long-term value. Attendees will gain insights, tools, and real-world perspectives to operate effectively in this evolving landscape and help ensure the energy transition leaves a lasting social legacy.
