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ESG

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    • Environment, Social and Governance (ESG)  

    As one of Australia’s premier multi-commodity ports, we proactively lead a balanced approach to the daily activities and future planning, development and growth of the organisation, and port and terminal operations. We do this through a commitment to efficiency, adaptation, resilience and integration with economic, environmental, social and equitable considerations. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) demonstrates how GPC is performing against key criteria, which will drive the direction of the organisation through continual improvement.  

    The approach identifies key ESG metrics we use to measure our performance and will continue to be refined and updated in the coming years as we progresses along our pathway to a sustainable future. Developed in consultation with our people and external stakeholders, it is about telling ‘Our Story’ and advancing short and longer-term initiatives, programs and daily activities.  

    Guided by our ESG Policy and Standard to deliver a future-focussed sustainable organisation, there are four key elements which are enabled through the ability to innovate, adapt, and partner: 

    • Our Environment: Lead through robust identification of issues, active environmental management, impact avoidance, strong protection of environmental values and response to climate change. 
    • Our People and Communities: Safety and wellbeing of our people with a culturally appropriate work environment supporting ongoing learning and development. Support, engage and enhance partnerships with our community including First Nations peoples. 
    • Our Ports: Growth and prosperity of current and new trade, drive efficiencies, maintain strong corporate governance structures, protect critical supply chains and partner with industry to increase economic value. Think long-term, encourage innovation and promote positive, continuous improvement for a prosperous future. 
    • Our Governance: Promote stewardship, ethical and lawful behaviours, appropriate risk management, cultural integrity, leadership, fair remuneration, accurate and timely reporting and responsible decision making through an effective and diverse oversighting Board, striving for high performance and compliance with relevant regulations.

    As part of our ESG and sustainability journey, we are embedding initiatives throughout the business to meet the Ports Australia Sustainability Strategy Development Guide; Reef 2050 Plan; United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; and World Port Sustainability Program requirements.  

    Sustainable Port Management Snapshot

    Our commitment to facilitate and deliver sustainable trade and prosperity is a fundamental aspect of who we are and what we strive to achieve. GPC’s Sustainable Port Management Snapshot focuses on our ongoing efforts, accomplishments, and aspirations in contributing to a more sustainable future for our port operations and development.

    Memorandum of Understanding with CQUniversity

    CQUniversity (CQU) and GPC have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together on mutually-beneficial projects that highlight GPC and CQU as leaders in port research and operations. 

    The first memorandum was signed in June 2020 signifying the start of a strong partnership. In March 2023, a second MoU with CQU was signed, continuing to collaborate on new projects and combining resources to design initiatives that will benefit community and industry within Central Queensland and Wide Bay regions. 

    The priority MoU areas are:

    • Environmental and Social Governance (ESG)
    • Research through the CQU’s Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research (CMERC) 
    • Engagement with First Nations peoples
    • Workforce education and training
    • Innovation and technology
    • Future trade
    • Decarbonisation.

    As part of the agreement, GPC and CQU formed a Research Advisory Committee to review and endorse proposed projects they deem suitable for progressing.

    Currently, GPC and CQU have three (3) key projects focusing on habitat creation, biodiversity and climate resilience: 

    • Habitat tracking and genetic research into the Yellow Chat.
    • Coral reef restoration research investigating the genetics and methods for spawning, growing and deploying heat tolerant coals to suitable ocean locations. The interaction between macroalgae and coral is also part of the investigations. This research, involves a partnership with Monsoon Aquatics, University of Technology Sydney, and CQU. 
    • The Seawall habitat enhancement project is investigating methods for improving mangrove and oyster habitat along a constructed seawall in the Port of Gladstone.