If you live in Newcastle you’ll likely have a vested interest in the future of the city, whether it’s from an economic, environmental, or culture and community perspective. 

For one of Newcastle’s most recognisable companies, Port Waratah Coal Services, they believe in their obligation to operate responsibly and sustainably, and understand the need to listen and become an active part of the Newcastle community. To assist in doing this, they launched the Local Voices community survey in 2018. 

As a part of their community engagement programme, Local Voices encourages locals to confidentially provide their feedback, which then assists Port Waratah to engage with the issues that matter most to locals.

Local Voices doesn’t shy away from asking difficult questions, asking the community to share their views on a variety of important topics including;

• Port Waratah operations
• Community attitudes to coal exports
• Environmental impact management and 
• If the community feel they are getting their fair share of benefits  

During September, Local Voices will reopen to the community, with this survey focusing on better understanding the community’ views on impacts and benefits of Port Waratah operations.

Access Local Voices survey here.

Port Waratah CEO, Hennie du Plooy, said Port Waratah was committed to using community feedback from the survey to shape its decision making and business planning.

“From the most recent feedback received, we better understand the community’s interest in impact management and data, like air quality, noise and water management, and actions in sustainability and climate change. This has helped us to inform our Climate Action Plan and shape the content of Port Waratah’s communications including our website, social media, annual reports and community newsletters.

“Results from previous surveys have also influenced our decisions in community investment to support the greatest areas of need for people in Newcastle.”

The survey is delivered by Voconiq, an independent data science, research and community engagement company, who uses licenced CSIRO technology. Voconiq collates the survey with Port Waratah sharing the results and insights over time at community meetings and via the Port Waratah’s Community Relationship page. 

Participation is 100% confidential - with no personal data shared with Port Waratah.

Port Waratah strives to be an active member of Newcastle and the Hunter region and build genuine reliable relationships with the local community. In addition to the six-monthly Local Voices Community Survey, Port Waratah also hosts quarterly community meetings, direct engagement with portside community groups and industry forums. You can get in touch with Port Waratah any time through a 24-hour enquiry line or a website enquiry form and stay up do date with social media updates.

If you don't know much about Port Waratah or are curious about what goes on behind the fence, book yourself a free site tour to understand an integral part of a global supply chain right here in Newcastle. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to have a say  about how Port Waratah operates and share your views on impacts, investments and contributions to our city, sign up to Local Voices here.

Harbour photo credit OOTS Media