The brief
There are concerns in the Gladstone community about public health issues linked to industrial emissions, ranging from asthma to still births and cancer. In order to investigate the health concerns in detail, the Queensland State Government initiated a Clean and Healthy Air for Gladstone study, one of the most significant health studies conducted in Australia. Five key companies, representing major industry in Gladstone commissioned Futureye to develop a regional strategy and implementation plan to address the community’s concerns.
The solution
The first step in resolving concerns was to conduct an in-depth analysis into the issues with activists and key stakeholders. This provided Futureye with an understanding of the full spectrum of current and future risks facing industry as well as strategic opportunities. This fed into a strategy that incorporated the Gladstone community vision, an understanding of community expectations and an assessment of current industry practice in community relations, media, environmental performance and technical hazard issues. Futureye recommended the establishment of an industry association to complement individual companies’ responses which would provide a collective regional response to concerns. Futureye assisted Gladstone Industry Leadership Group (GILG) in setting up a constitution, code of conduct and governance arrangements. We also developed the Clean Air Strategy, the Environmental Transparency Framework and an employee engagement strategy to drive environmental improvements and build on regional understanding in conjunction with GILG.
The result
Activists and key stakeholders wanted industry to provide a collective response that was more transparent, engaging and accountable. Futureye’s work in Gladstone has led to the creation of a vehicle for industry to work together to Gladstone-wide issues. We worked with GILG to build their capacity to transparently respond to issues of concern. There is a GILG website which has information on industry practice (e.g. industry licenses, plain-English explanations and FAQs) as well as an interactive space for individuals to discuss issues and post questions. The GILG Board and members of the advisory committees are committed to working with GILG to enact change at their own sites and across the region.
Testimonial
Before Futureye’s involvement, Gladstone industries were each separately grappling with a myriad of societal, environmental and economic development issues. While each industry was striving to improve their performance and be more mindful of our community’s social and environmental concerns, these individual efforts were lost competing for the attention of the Gladstone community.
Based upon Futureye’s thorough research and analysis and creative solution processes, the Gladstone Industry Leadership Group was established as an industry forum to jointly respond to these issues in a systematic manner.
Our Group includes five of Gladstone’s major industries and has set a new benchmark for acceptable industrial behaviour, has aligned community engagement approaches and taken mutual support between industries to heights.
On a personal note, the thought of a media interview previously filled me with dread. Having worked through the issues, designed a strategy and commenced its implementation and formed a communications approach, I now think, “Bring it on! We’ve got a great story to tell.” Kurt Heidecker, GILG CEO
