Community and Stakeholders

Industry Goal:  The people important to our industry and operations are engaged, participating and supportive

The concept of community engagement is not new. Both overseas and in Australia, it is recognised that communities not only have a need and right to know the risks associated with company operations and products, but those communities must also be given real opportunities to contribute their ideas and views about the company's activities. Community engagement will improve communication, build trust and reduce conflict over industry operations. It will also help ensure that the community is well informed about the social, environmental and economic performance of a business and is speaking with the company and broader community from a position of knowledge.

Perhaps even more importantly, effective engagement with community and other important stakeholders will help to manage your business risk and can improve your competitiveness through the innovation sparked by new conversations and ideas.

Plastics and chemical businesses are increasingly engaged with their local communities to not only develop proactive relationships but to help businesses better understand the range of stakeholder views on issues. Responsible Care^® and Plascare^® programs provide the basis for PACIA member companies to develop proactive community relationships. For example in areas such as Coode Island and Altona (Victoria), Botany (NSW), and Kwinana (WA), where major industry storage and processing occurs, local community panels have been functioning effectively for some years.

There are many other stakeholders important to industry beyond their local communities, be they regulators, environmental and social non-government organizations or suppliers and customers. By being strategic in analysing, developing and maintaining the relationships important to their business, companies will help to secure their future as well as the long-term viability of the industry.

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