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We are committed to:
Our approachWe recognise that our projects can’t be planned, built or managed in isolation, and that the community is a legitimate stakeholder with whom we must engage. This means consulting them on matters, activities or plans which impact them, keeping them well informed of our activities and taking their views and concerns into account in our decisions and operations.
We need to include consultation with community stakeholders including government groups, asset owners, local community groups, businesses, residents and local media as a key aspect of project planning. We establish constructive working relationships and communication channels with key stakeholders and interest groups. We provide accessible avenues for capturing community feedback and concerns. And we provide regular feedback on progress of projects and operations we believe to impact or interest the community. Leafs Gully Power StationDuring 2006/2007, AGL lodged a Project Application with the NSW Government to construct and operate a 600MW combined cycle gas fired power station at the Leafs Gully site in Wollondilly, NSW. The project will help AGL meet future electricity demand in the Sydney Metropolitan area.
AGL undertook a significant amount of consultation with the community in regards to potential environmental impacts and general community concerns. Subsequently AGL amended the scope of the project to a 300MW open cycle gas fired power station.
In early 2007, AGL withdrew the Project Application to consider further potential sites for the planned gas fired power station. AGL continues to work with both the community and the NSW Government to confirm an appropriate site for the development. Hallett Wind Farm ConstructionAGL’s involvement with the Hallett Wind Farm commenced in September 2004, when we took over the approved development project from business partner, Wind Prospect. Since we commenced construction some 15 months ago, engaging the local communities has been a key priority.
Major stakeholders of the project include the seven private landowners of the properties on which the wind farm is located, the Northern Areas Council and Regional Council of Goyder, a local indigenous group as well as the resident populations living around Hallett.
We liaise regularly with all of the landowners to keep them informed of progress and to consult on project issues that may potentially impact them, such as recent realignment and upgrading of fencing across two properties required to improve construction access.
An AGL-sponsored competition for students at five local schools invited students to submit drawings of what the wind farm might look like, with the three best entries receiving prizes and their artwork framed and displayed on the project signage.
Earlier this year we established a $15,000 Community Fund to support a range of community projects, such as the upgrading of lighting and electrical systems for the Jamestown Agricultural Show. We’re looking forward to receiving this year’s applications for funding, due in October.
Later this year AGL representatives will visit local primary and high schools, to talk with students about wind power and renewable energy and the role their local wind farm will play in delivering sustainable energy to the people of South Australia.
“On long-term large scale projects like this, community engagement is vital. I think that everyone involved in the project has made a real effort to get to know the local people to understand what’s important to them, and their wider interests. We’ve got project members playing on local basketball teams, going to the monthly trivia nights, taking part in local golf days, even hosting local Christmas parties. We all know one another and that makes a big difference on a project like this. After all, we all have a stake in this wind farm.”
Steven Oswald Project Manager AGL. |
Three winning entries from the Hallett Wind Farm Art Competition for St James Community School, Jamestown SA.
Matt Connors - Year 7 |
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