Stakeholder engagement is integrated into our business systems and processes. To achieve our objective of performance at a level of Industry Best Practice a number of the BSDT elements incorporate specific requirements to engage and communicate with various stakeholder groups. In addition, two BSDT elements focus specifically on Boral's performance in regard to stakeholder engagement: Community Relations and Engagement and External Relations and Communications.
The table below outlines the main methods used to engage with our key stakeholders in addition to Boral's Annual, Sustainability and half-yearly reports and website, which are targeted at all key stakeholders.
| Methods of stakeholder engagement | |
| Stakeholder group | Engagement during 2008/09 |
| Shareholders |
|
| Employees |
|
| Suppliers/ contractors |
|
| Customers |
|
| Local communities and neighbours |
|
| Government and regulators |
|
Boral's annual Sustainability Report is the main avenue by which we provide information to our stakeholders on sustainability matters. During 2008/09, we sought feedback on Boral's 2008 Sustainability Report through two formal discussion groups with employee, shareholder, customer, supplier, and community representatives. The feedback obtained through these forums was used in determining how to present this year's report.
Boral aims to have regular dialogue with key external decision makers and engage in policy shaping on sustainability issues. Boral has regular dialogue with public officials both directly and through membership of industry associations.
Boral has a Government Relations policy which recognises the role of governments and outlines our approach to working with government.
Boral is actively engaged in commenting on government consultation processes relating to sustainability issues. During 2008/09, public advocacy efforts largely revolved around emissions trading and the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System (NGERS) requirements. Our submissions can be found on our website at www.boral.com.au/sustainability.
We participate in government initiatives to help shape decision making and policy. During the year, Boral was a Pilot Group member for NGERS working with the Department of Climate Change. Boral is also represented on the Federal Government's Built Environment Industry Innovation Council.
At a business level, Boral directly engages with local councils and regulators such as state EPAs and planning authorities.
Boral is apolitical and does not make donations to political parties or individuals. In 2008/09, Boral did not renew membership of the NSW Millennium Forum and NSW Australian Labor Party's Business Dialogue, which had been retained in recent years to attend business events and access bipartisan political debate. The Australian Electoral Commission's reportable funding from Boral in 2008/09 was nil.
Boral actively participates in major business and industry associations and initiatives which to varying extents focus on sustainable development. These associations include: Cement Industry Federation; Cement, Concrete and Aggregates Australia; Housing Industry Association; Think Brick Australia; Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries; Gypsum Board Manufacturers Association; The Urban Development Institute of Australia; and the Business Council of Australia (BCA). Boral's CEO, Rod Pearse, is a BCA Board member and Chair of the BCA's Sustainable Growth Taskforce.
Boral is continuing to work with the Building Products Innovation Council (BPIC) and various industry associations to develop a robust lifecycle analysis and inventory methodology to ensure a scientific and consistent approach in comparing building materials across their lifecycle.
Boral's objective is to maintain support and goodwill of communities surrounding Boral's activities through engaging and consulting on relevant issues.
Community liaison groups exist at key Boral operations and a number of smaller operations to facilitate the exchange of open and transparent communication.
The most common issues of local concern raised through community consultation processes are about local noise and vibration impacts, dust or emissions, traffic conditions or biodiversity. In operations that raise considerable concern or contention, we may engage specialist consultants to investigate these concerns and/or provide expert advice. When appropriate, we also establish dust, noise and vibration monitoring devices on our neighbours' properties to help ensure that we are operating within acceptable levels.
A summary of recent and current issues of concern to local communities surrounding our operations or proposed development is included in the table below.
| Recent and current community issues | |
| Key issue | Boral's position |
| Community concerns about the safe use of alternative fuels, Blue Circle Southern Cement, Berrima, NSW | The use of alternative fuels in cement kilns is common both in Australia and overseas, and has been shown to effectively reduce GHG emissions, waste to landfill and costs. In 2007/08, BCSC engaged independent advisers to interview a cross section of the local community and other stakeholders to identify concerns about air quality impacts and to determine how they may be addressed. This resulted in the formation of an Air Quality Monitoring Sub-Committee to review air quality monitoring undertaken at Berrima. Members represent Wingecarribee Shire Council, local interest groups and the local community. The Sub-Committee selected expert technical advisers in human health risk assessment and air quality monitoring/modelling. BCSC has also significantly improved procedures for the selection, quality control, supply and use of alternative fuels to minimise the risk of program non-compliance. |
| Request for ACCC investigation by Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) | The ACF issued a statement in June 2009 indicating that the ACF and the Australian Climate Justice Program (ACJP) asked the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to investigate whether six companies, including Boral, have engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct when making public statements on climate change policy. They alleged that statements made about the impacts of the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme are exaggerated and contradictory when compared with the companies' disclosure to shareholders and independent analysis. Boral issued a media release on 15 June 2009 strongly refuting the allegations made by the ACF and the ACJP and detailing that Boral's communications to government and to its shareholders are consistent. The ACCC has said that it will not investigate the complaint. |
| Community opposition to proposed bitumen import terminal at Crib Point, Vic | Boral's proposal to build a bitumen storage and distribution facility at Crib Point (as discussed in Figure 24 of Boral's 2008 Sustainability Report) was approved by the Victorian Planning Minister in August 2009. Boral is pleased that the Government has confirmed the need for the Crib Point area to be developed for "mixed use". Boral is, however, concerned about some ongoing community concerns about the proposed plans and will continue to listen to concerns and provide the community with relevant information. |
| Regional employment and the economic downturn | Employment levels across Boral have reduced as cost reduction programs have been implemented and production slowed to match lower demand. While the need for these actions is generally well understood, individuals and local communities have been impacted. In August 2008 production was suspended at Boral's Walcha Timber mill in New South Wales, resulting in 23 redundant positions; quicklime manufacturing at BCSC's Galong facility was temporarily suspended in January 2009 due to significantly weaker steel demand resulting in seven positions being made redundant; and in July 2009, Boral temporarily suspended brick production at Kempsey, New South Wales, affecting 19 production employees. |
We actively consult with communities when considering major new investments and land management issues. Stakeholder reference groups are formed for major developments to facilitate risk assessments to identify and rank perceived risks. On land management issues, we often work in partnership with local community members, special interest groups and/or government bodies.
