The report, from Weber Shandwick and Powell Tate Australia, found there was a significant misunderstanding about agriculture investment in Australia, however it also stated there was no strong xenophobic sentiment against Chinese investors.
The analytical report titled Licence That Matters Report: Beyond Foreign Investment Board Approval stated the biggest misconceptions about Chines investment in Australia included investors being agents for Chinese state-owned enterprises, investors caring more about money than people or the environment and often ignore local communities and sensitivities.
According to Weber Shandwick and Powell Tate, Australian agriculture needs Chinese investment, and the various concerns about such investment can be addressed.
"To do that, Chinese companies need to embark upon stakeholder engagement strategies to communicate their intentions in the market and establish the benefits their investments will bring to the local community around an asset and to the wider nation," the report said.
Data was based on interviews in China and Australia with key players in agriculture, investment and government sectors.
The report recommended Chinese investors understand there is no single federal or state government authority that awards a "social licence", or community acceptance of a proposed foreign investment.
"Success depends on understanding what needs to be done to win the hearts and minds of local community groups and other stakeholders in each situation, and on understanding the ever-changing atmospherics," it said.
It also stated gaining Foreign Investment Review Board approval was not sufficient for the acquisition of an asset.
The investment report said the secret to the success of some Chinese investments in Australia, such as the New Hope Group, was achieved with a joint venture partnership that involved local consultation.
