Community Engagement
QAL has been the heart of Gladstone’s prosperity since we first produced alumina in 1967 and has continuously made contributions to the sustainable development of the region.
Diverse community
Our diverse community give us the opportunity to bring positive, long-term benefits to the Gladstone region, which is evident in the many liveability improvement projects we have been a part of throughout our history.
A key focus of our work is making Gladstone a great place for our employees and our neighbours to live and grow with their families. This starts in addressing the primary areas of need such as health and local business development.
Community consultation
We understand that effective communication, consultation and engagement with our stakeholders must be part of the way we work. We will consult with individuals, organisations and groups that are affected or interested in our business activities.
We actively listen to any concerns or suggestions and consider ways in which we can drive continuous improvement in what we do. Our community engagement involves a considered approach and response that takes concerns of our stakeholders into consideration.
One of QAL’s community engagements methods is our Community Advisory Committee. Commitee members are a number of Gladstone locals and professionals from various sectors including family, industry, medical backgrounds, community, housing and education. This group meets quarterly and helps guide decisions made at QAL to ensure we are a proactive and relevant corporate citizen to the Gladstone region.
How we contribute
Our diverse communities give us the opportunity to bring positive, long-term benefits to the Gladstone region, which is evident in the many liveability improvement projects we have been a part of over the years.
-
Learn more
The Rio Tinto Community Fund was established in 2002. The QAL General Manager is currently the chair of this Fund.
-
Sponsorships and donations
Rio Tinto Community Fund, QAL and Yarwun also have a separate sponsorship and donations program
-
Community Advisory Committee
Regular meetings with our QAL Community Advisory Committee has enabled us to get to the heart of concerns.
Real-time air monitoring
QAL conducts real-time air quality monitoring in three locations in the community surrounding the refinery. The air quality monitoring instruments measure total suspended particulates (TSP), or ‘dust’, in the atmosphere. The dust can be generated by human-made sources, for example industry, traffic or road works, and natural sources such as bushfires or dust storms.
The monitoring is a requirement of our Environmental Authority and is reviewed by both QAL and the Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES). The monitoring station data can also be utilised to track the performance of our operations and environmental projects.
We track air quality data at:
- Gladstone South State School
- Kareeba Scout Hut (Barney Point)
- Toolooa State High School
Our air quality data is temporarily unavailable.
Complaints and concerns
We know our operations can at times impact surrounding communities with dust, noise, odour and alkali. We continually strive to minimise our impacts in the community and proactively resolve community concerns and disputes.
Wherever possible, we will liaise with community members in person, investigate their concerns and aim to address the issue at the root cause before providing feedback and assurances to prevent the issue reoccurring.
To learn more, view our 5-Year Environment Strategy brochure or contact our Community Hotline on 1800 181 110.
Real-time Online Community System (ROCS)
QAL believes that good management of community relationships is as necessary to our business as the management of our operations.
Community members can register their concerns or feedback by either our free call number 1800 181 110 or online through the Real-time Online Community System (or ROCS). Once your concern is lodged, a QAL representative will make direct contact with you within 2 business days to discuss your concerns and work towards a resolution.
You can make an enquiry or lodge a concern about QAL’s operations through ROCS or by calling the QAL Community Hotline number – 1800 181 110.