Environment Policy

Policy statement

We take pride in delivering quality water and waste services in an environmentally sustainable manner. We protect and enhance our region’s natural assets and incorporate caring for Country values to ensure we continue to plan for the future and are responsible environmental stewards for future generations. 

Purpose

Our activities both impact on and rely upon a thriving natural environment. This Policy outlines our commitment to be environmentally responsible and minimise harm to human health and the environment so far as reasonably practicable. 

Scope

This Policy applies to all Board members, employees and contractors.

Policy details

Our environmental management system is built on the principle of continuous improvement. To minimise harm to human health and the environment so far as reasonably practicable, we are committed to:

1. Plan

• Exercising our legislative requirements and discharging our environmental obligations;
• Maintaining and continually improving an Environmental Management System consistent with international standard AS/NZS ISO 14001:2016;
• Applying risk management principles to identify hazards, assess risks and continually improve our environment systems and performance;
• Acting as stewards to protect scarce natural resources and biodiversity for future generations by focusing on the prevention of harm to human health and the environment;
• Clearly defining responsibilities and accountabilities for all employees and contractors; and
• Collaborating with the community, partner organisations, agencies and regulators that share our values to contribute to initiatives.

2. Integrate environmental management

• Cultivating environmental leadership at all levels;
• Maintaining an effective environmental management culture that encourages our people and contractors to actively manage risks;
• Actively manage our catchments to provide clean, safe and reliable drinking water services;
• Mitigating our contribution to climate change by achieving 100 percent renewable electricity by 2025 and net zero emissions by 2030;
• Be aware of the impact of climate change to build climate resilience into our built and natural assets, and services to adapt to the effects of climate change;
• Empowering our organisation and community through genuine consultation;
• Providing employees with the necessary information, training, supervision, support and resources;
• Promoting environmental management and awareness programs;
• Managing all environmental incidents and events in a responsible manner; and
• Learning to care for Country through the guidance of Traditional Owners.

3. Measure and evaluate

• Measuring our environmental performance by setting objectives and monitoring their effectiveness;
• Openly and transparently reporting our environmental performance to employees, the Board, our community and external parties; and
• Continuing to play an active environmental role and building on our position as an environmental leader as an example for other local organisations and our community.

4. Review and improvement

• Continually reviewing environmental management systems, seeking opportunities for improvement and implementing corrective actions, as identified;
• Taking decisive action on any threats of serious or irreversible environmental harm;
• Remaining at the forefront of responsible waste management and the circular economy industry;
• Informing and contributing to enhanced environmental and cultural awareness within the region; and
• Engaging with our customers to understand investment into environmentally sustainable efforts across water conservation, waterway protection and longer term renewable energy projects.

Policy review and approval

It is recognised that from time to time, circumstances may change leading to the need for minor administrative changes to this document. Where an update does not materially alter this document, such a change may be made administratively without requiring approval of the approving body. Examples include only a change to the template, name of a position or department, or a minor update to legislation that does not have a material impact.