Public participation in megaproject-induced displacement and resettlement

The public participation mechanisms currently in place in Australia in relation to megaprojects neither meet the expectations of the construction industry nor the government and relying solely on reactive participation has limitations when it comes to megaproject-induced internal displacement. Relatedly, the effectiveness of policy and guiding mechanisms in encouraging and facilitating community participation in internal displacement remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to analyse the major barriers to community participation, examine the role of the federal government, and evaluate perceptions regarding megaproject-induced internal displacement policies, strategies, and schemes. Although a cohesive national strategy for internal displacement has yet to be developed in Australia, a thematic analysis of grey documents, such as community meetings and official documents outlining key policy frameworks, plans, and strategies, is conducted to assess Australia's acknowledgment of the issue of internal displacement and its plans for localising community participation in mitigating its effects. Additionally, an in-depth analysis of a single megaproject at Western Sydney International Airport is presented in this study, and the research offers a case study-based reference for promoting the participation of an affected community and for collaborative governance. Findings from the research are the identification of total 38 critical factors within three thematic areas: megaproject manager perception of the affected community participation, megaproject management practices at the affected community participation, and effective public participation for better internal displacement performance, which are important for the success of displacement and resettlement in megaprojects. The theoretical framework makes important contributions to existing knowledge to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics surrounding the participation of affected communities at the local level. This framework was validated through interviews with 22 key knowledgeable managers in New South Wales, Australia, as part of this study. The research has contributed to new knowledge and improved understanding of the affected community in megaprojects in displacement and resettlement process. The results reveal that local government failed to recognise the needs of affected communities, and policy intervention was not comprehensive. Furthermore, the lack of recognition of the threat of displacement risk at the local government level contributes to barriers to local community participation. This necessitates senior managers to dedicate additional managerial effort in terms of time and resources, including the shifting attitude and building internal capabilities. Therefore, it has to be recognized that the vision for affected community in megaprojects should be developed at a strategic management level. This includes integrating sustainability dimensions into the management of displacement and resettlement caused by such projects.