Environmental and Cultural Heritage Policy

Purpose

This policy outlines Vaxa’s commitment to clearly communicate environmental and cultural heritage expectations, meet legal requirements, and progress beyond compliance towards innovation and excellence. It aims to drive continual improvement in managing matters affecting the environment and cultural heritage.

Scope

This policy applies to Vaxa, its officers, employees, contractors (where applicable), and any other personnel notified that this policy applies to them.

Roles & Responsibilities

Policy Statement

Vaxa is committed to:

• Developing policies and systems: Establishing, maintaining, and communicating policies, processes, and systems to drive continual improvement in environmental and cultural heritage management.
• Setting objectives and allocating resources: Setting challenging objectives and targets, and allocating resources to achieve our organisational goals related to the environment and cultural heritage.
• Empowering employees: Sustaining a high level of performance by empowering employees to take ownership of environmental and cultural heritage outcomes.
• Partnering with stakeholders: Collaborating with regulators, traditional owners, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders as appropriate.
• Community engagement: Responding appropriately to community expectations on environmental and heritage matters.
• Environmental protection: Protecting the environment by prioritizing pollution prevention, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable natural resource management.
• Cultural heritage respect: Respecting and protecting Indigenous and non-Indigenous heritage, including active participation and consultation with Indigenous communities.
• Sustainable future: Building a sustainable future through safe, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions.

Vaxa personnel should:

• Adhere to policies: Follow all relevant policies, processes, and systems for environmental and cultural heritage management.
• Risk management: Understand and manage environmental and cultural heritage risks during all phases of their work.
• Lead by example: Demonstrate commitment through actions and dedication to environmental and cultural heritage performance.
• Take action: Address any acts or situations that may result in harm to the environment or cultural heritage.
• Collaborate and communicate: Engage collaboratively to effectively communicate and improve Vaxa’s environmental and cultural heritage performance.
• Support indigenous participation: Encourage and facilitate Indigenous participation in projects and decision-making processes.

Exceptions

Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by senior management and properly documented.

Compliance & Monitoring

Compliance with this policy will be ensured by:

• Regular audits: Conducting regular audits and assessments of environmental and cultural heritage practices.
• Reporting: Recording and reporting any breaches in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
• Training: Providing training to employees and contractors on environmental and cultural heritage responsibilities.
• Performance reviews: Reviewing environmental and cultural heritage performance against set objectives and targets.
• Legal compliance: Ensuring all activities comply with relevant legislation, regulations, codes of practice, and guidelines.

References

• Vaxa’s Code of Conduct
• Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cth)
• Native Title Act 1993 (Cth)