The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA1), Securing Australia’s Future, Project 6 report, entitled Engineering energy: unconventional gas production, explored the scientific, social, cultural, technological, environmental and economic issues surrounding alternative energy sources, with particular reference to shale gas production. The project was one of a series of strategic research projects for the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council. The project report made 51 key findings considering the potential technological, environmental, social and economic impacts of an Australian shale gas industry. Recommendations arising from the report were developed by the Office of the Chief Scientist in consultation with relevant government departments. The symposium presentation was based on the ACOLA project report.