Induced seismicity is a phenomenon critical to the success of geothermal energy development as it provides a fundamental tool to assess and interpret geothermal reservoirs. In the case of Engineered Geothermal System (EGS) reservoirs, it is the only method currently employed to routinely image the volumetric distribution and dimensions of a fracture network during the early stages of reservoir development via massive hydraulic stimulation. The geothermal community is increasingly aware of public perception to induced seismicity as a potential hazard, with a number of international projects being suspended or curtailed due to local public concern. It is clear therefore that the geothermal sector as a whole will benefit from; 1) Facilitating informed awareness of this issue amongst all stakeholders, including regulators, at local, national and international level and, 2) Establishing robust, trustworthy and consistent risk assessment methodologies for determining and mitigating risks associated with induced seismicity which can be applied to any given project. The development of reliable risk assessment, prediction and mitigation strategies for induced seismicity requires further targeted research to better understand the relationships between geomechanics, physical rock properties and fracture behaviour. For such research to progress however, real world data and case studies from across the spectrum of conventional volcanogenic and hydrothermal geothermal projects through to Engineered Geothermal Systems, need to be collected, collated and made available to the research community and wider geothermal industry. This paper summarises guidelines and protocols under development by the South Australian Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy (DMITRE), in consultation with the Australian geothermal industry, to assist companies in preparing risk assessment strategies and, to create a repository of publically available data which can be used for future research into understanding induced seismicity. The guidelines and protocols developed are designed to be applicable to the generic case, and be consistent with existing international protocols and appropriate data archiving standards. Used in conjunction with objective-based legislation, the guidelines require such information to be submitted to the regulator, and subsequently released for public scrutiny and research purposes within specified timeframes.

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