Port of Melbourne Outlines in its 2020 Sustainability Report how it Contributed to the Victorian Economy

Port of Melbourne (PoM) has released its 2020 Sustainability Report, highlighting how the organization has managed its material environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities amid a challenging operating year.

The report outlines:

• the port handles more than one-third of Australia’s container trade, contributing around $7.5 billion in trade each year and around $6 billion to the Victorian economy – each vessel visiting the port brings with it an average $1.85m in state economic benefits;
• the port facilitated 3008 ship arrivals and 2.9 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs);
• PoM struck four new community partnership agreements and provided important financial support to community groups;
• 148 schools took part in PoM’s Port Education Program, with a further 100 port education visits;
• PoM’s headquarters at 839 Collins Street Docklands received a six-star Star Green Star Design & As-Built certified rating;
• PoM employed 119 people during the 12 months, 34 percent of whom committed 266 volunteer hours.

PoM was recognized as a Top 10 Best Employer in Australia and New Zealand by Kincentric. Port of Melbourne CEO Brendan Bourke said 2020’s bushfire disaster and COVID-19 health crisis reinforced the importance of the port’s operations. Mr Bourke said:

“Such a testing time brings into focus the critical role the port plays in Australia’s supply chain and the national economy. The port operates 24/7 to ensure vital goods and services are delivered into communities, stimulating vital social and economic investment and activity. We take seriously our essential role and service in supporting lives and livelihoods, especially through an uncertain period.”

Mr Bourke added.

“We see our commitment to sustainability as a key enabler for the achievement of our mission, which is to work with customers and the community to deliver innovative and sustainable port solutions. Operating responsibly is a principle embedded in our people’s approach to their work and the values they bring to life every day.”

Port of Melbourne’s approach to sustainability is guided by the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). As the landlord of a key infrastructure asset and a major contributor to the national economy, PoM has adopted the SDGs as an overarching framework to be followed and applied to its business planning and operations to support sustainability objectives.

Mr Bourke emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement as the organization sought to continuously improve its sustainability performance. He said:

“Our approach to sustainability is the outcome of valued discussions with our stakeholders – business, government and community – as, together, we seek to better understand strategic and operational objectives, many of which are shared. We will continue to work with our stakeholders to grow trade and create an enduring city port which, in turn, will drive the economy and enrich people’s lives.”

Port of Melbourne is looking to increase its commitment to sustainable operations, with a dedicated Sustainability Program to be finalized in the coming months.

Source: Port of Melbourne