Research and social impact
Good decisions rely on evidence, not assumptions. Our research and social impact work helps organisations understand people, place and potential impacts before decisions are made. We support better outcomes by grounding strategy, planning and approvals in evidence that reflects real community experience.
What we do
Mara Consulting delivers research and Social Impact Assessments that support Development Applications (DA), State Significant Developments (SSD), Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), Planning proposals, planning approvals and rezonings and major infrastructure and renewable energy projects. approvals across NSW.
We design and deliver research that is practical, ethical and decision focused. We combine data, lived experience and local insight to inform strategies, projects and approvals that deliver real community benefit and stand up to scrutiny.
Our work goes beyond data collection. We analyse and interpret findings to clearly identify issues, risks, opportunities and priorities. Research is often integrated with engagement so community voices directly inform recommendations, design decisions and implementation.
We support projects from early scoping and options analysis through to social impact assessment, approvals and long term planning.
Mara services
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Social impact assessments and management plans for planning approvals
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Community sentiment and perception studies
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Needs analysis and gap assessments
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Evaluation frameworks and outcomes measurement
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Evidence reviews and literature reviews
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Data analysis and insights reporting
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Integration of research into engagement and approvals processes
Contact
For all enquiries about Research projects or Social Impact Assessments
About Mara.
Mara Consulting is an award-winning communications and engagement consultancy specialising in planning approvals, community consultation, social impact assessment and strategic communications for infrastructure, renewable energy and property development projects across NSW.
Projects
Client: Hunter Water Corporation
Project type: Environment.
Services: Strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, research, scenario planning, regulatory consultation, community and government relations.
Client: Northern Cemeteries
Project type: Corporate
Services: Stakeholder engagement strategy, research, reporting and recommendation.
Client: Newcastle Grammar School
Project type: Property development
Services: Community and stakeholder engagement, social impact assessment and strategic communications.
Client: Hunter & Central Coast Development Corporation
Project type: Property development
Services: Strategy development, consultation, engagement, digital marketing, communication, research and focus groups.