The suite covers all aspects of Port Waratah’s business and includes the Sustainability Report, Annual Financial Report, Modern Slavery Statement and a dedicated Sustainability website. The 2023 Sustainability Report has been prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative.

Port Waratah CEO, Hennie du Plooy invites the community to read the 2023 report suite and discover the improvements Port Waratah is making, the contributions locally and how the organisation is responsibly meeting its obligations.

“Operationally, the total terminal throughput of 95.5 million tonnes in 2023 was an increase from 91.9 million tonnes in 2022. Our performance continued to be strong, with excellent reliability, high loading rates and low vessel queues benefiting our customers. Japan was again the largest export destination,” said Mr du Plooy.

“Port Waratah and the Hunter Valley coal industry are well-positioned to meet long term market demand.

“One of the highlights of last year was the significant improvement in safety performance with the all-injury frequency rate at an eight-year low of 1.88. Our leadership and employees jointly remain committed to the continuous improvement journey of health, safety and environmental performance.

“Our annual environmental performance has not met our target with four reportable incidents recorded. This continues to be a priority for us with significant investment in our people, systems and assets. We also marked the first implementation year of the Climate Action Plan.

“Two environmental achievements of 2023 include our best-ever annual waste performance with 95.3 per cent of waste diverted from landfill and our lowest greenhouse gas emissions intensity recorded, both achieved through improved management and operational efficiencies. Pleasingly, we have achieved a landfill diversion rate over 90 per cent for the past seven years and continued to lower the GHG emissions intensity per year over the last six years from the 2018 baseline.”

“We are proud to support local business partners. Last year, we spent more than $140.9 million locally on suppliers, materials and services in the Hunter Region. This is coupled with a $100,000 increase to our Community Investment and Partnership Programme, now delivering $850,000 a year to local and regional community groups and charities towards a more smart, caring and sustainable Newcastle.

“Finally, a key focus during the year was the strengthening of relationships with the region’s First Peoples, including the development of the Port Waratah’s first Reconciliation Action Plan.”

The Financial Report provides an overview of Port Waratah’s financial performance and disclosures, while the Modern Slavery Statement outlines the intent and actions aimed at eliminating slavery, servitude and debt bondage from the organisation and supply chain.