ENVIROMENTAL, NATIVE TITLE & CULTURAL HERITAGE
Environmental, native title and cultural heritage obligations continue to be given a high priority by the directors, management, employees and contractors of Bandanna.
There is a strong focus on maintaining all of our operations within the very strict conditions imposed by the relevant authorities with respect to environmental, native title and cultural heritage obligations and to minimise any adverse impact on the communities and stakeholders in the areas in which we operate.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
In addition to our native title and cultural heritage relations, Bandanna is committed to supporting and strengthening good local community relations with landowners, occupiers and other interested parties who have interests within, or surrounding, Bandanna’s tenements.
This applies particularly to the Springsure, Emerald, Dingo and Springsure communities where Bandanna plans in future to develop its coal interests in the Bowen Basin. The Central Tableslands region, based on Emerald, has historically developed as one where there has been co-existence of mining and agricultural pursuits. Bandanna seeks to preserve this co-existence through establishing the correct balance between pursuing its interests and preserving those of existing landowners and occupiers. Conducting exploration activities on agricultural and grazing properties is becoming both more contentious and sensitive. In response to this the Company has reviewed its protocols for our own, and third-party contractor, activities and now has in place strict guidelines aimed at minimising the inconvenience our operations may cause owners and occupiers within our tenement areas. As part of facilitating these relationships, Bandanna appointed a full-time field liaison officer based in Emerald.
Bandanna, itself as an important stakeholder in the community, has adopted a policy of engaging local workforce, suppliers and contractors and it has participated through sponsorship in a number of local community events, including the Alpha Show and Emerald Rodeo.
SAFETY
Bandanna has a strong commitment to ensuring that its employees and contractors adhere to, and are observant of, the health and safety issues, especially given the significant level of field activities. During the 2011 Financial Year Bandanna had only one reportable incident. Bandanna has safety and health management plans (SHMP) for all of its current active projects.
The Company continues to monitor, revise and upgrade its health and safety management systems and has undertaken several improvements aimed at minimising health and safety risks.