Sustainability at GeelongPort
Sustainable development encompasses many areas, including good health and well-being, economic growth, innovation and infrastructure and reduced inequities.
We understand the importance of our role in providing ongoing economic benefits to regional Victoria, promoting sound management practices and building quality partnerships. Our partnership with GROW G21 works collaboratively with businesses, government and community organisations to grow a stronger local economy by changing the way we buy and employ locally, to support local businesses and help create equitable and sustainable jobs.
Our local actions have an impact on global sustainable development, that’s why we align our environmental, social and governance activities to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
GeelongPort’s ESG activities align with the following SDGs:
ESG materiality
In FY24, using the materiality process outlined in the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards 2021, we worked with over 40 of our stakeholders to determine the topics that matter most to them and over which GeelongPort has the most significant impact. This approach informs the areas of focus for GeelongPort and frames the content of this report.
Environment
Contaminated land management
Management of legacy and contemporary contamination on land and the seabed (4).
Energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions
Operational efficiency and the creation and release of greenhouse gas emissions (3).
Air pollution
Creation of air pollution (i.e. dust) and the reduction of air quality and amenity. Creation of air pollution (i.e., dust) and the reduction of air quality and amenity (7).
Social
Occupational health and safety
Providing a safe working environment at the port (1).
Stakeholder relations
Keeping stakeholders informed and considering their views when making decisions (5).
Governance
Legal and regulatory compliance (2).
Cyber security (6).
Board ESG oversight (8).
Numbers in brackets (1-8) indicate material importance to stakeholders.
There were several changes between the top eight material issues in the 2020 and 2023 materiality assessments, with three governance issues prioritised by stakeholders, making this the first time any governance issues had entered the top eight material topics.
2020 Materiality assessment
- Worker health and safety
- Water discharges
- Air pollution
- Hazardous substances
- Employee engagement
- Greenhouse gas emissions
- Contaminated land
- Stakeholder relations
2023 Materiality assessment
- Occupational health and safety
- 2. Legal and regulatory compliance
- 3. Energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions
- 4. Contaminated land management
- 5. Stakeholder relations
- 6. Cyber security
- 7. Board ESG oversight
- 8. Air pollution
Note: Lists are ordered in order of material importance prioritised by stakeholders.
GRESB performance
With our ambition to be Australia’s most sustainable port, we received a 5-star GRESB rating for the third year in a row.
