Responsibility

ARC has a responsibility to contribute to the communities in which it operates. It does this in a balanced way which takes into account both its social and environmental responsibilities, but also recognises its responsibility to provide returns to its shareholders.

We fulfil these responsibilities by:

  • Being open, honest and ethical in our dealings with people;
  • Providing a safe and fulfilling workplace for our employees and contractors;
  • Looking after the environment;
  • Respecting and contributing to the people in the communities our operations affect; and
  • Contributing to the community in general

Environmental Management

ARC is committed to achieving environmental excellence in all its operations.

ARC's environmental compliance policy is set out in its Corporate Governance Statement and commits the Company to ensuring it has as little impact on the environment as possible.

To support this commitment, ARC maintains a Corporate Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Management System that identifies, assesses and manages its impact on the environment. View Arc Energy's HSE policy.

Criteria

ARC contributes generally to the community by its economic activity and to specific community relations programs. These contributions must provide direct benefits to:

  • The community and the people in it;
  • The environment;
  • Education, training and employment; or
  • Health, safety and emergency services.

Current programs

ARC's activities are mainly in the mid-west of Western Australia and in the Canning Basin, east of Broome. Our operations in Yemen also include, through Oil Search as operator, a large component of community involvement.

Dongara-based programs include include the Dongara Schools Information Program; support for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the Dongara Bush Fire Brigade and the WA Police Service; and sponsorship of the Dongara District High School Band.

Broome based programs include the annual Northwest Expo and sponsorship of the Shire of Derby Kimberley Art Prize, along with support for the Derby SES.

Other more general community partnerships include:

Energy Apprentices Group (EAG)

ARC employs three apprentices as part of the EAG scheme, which is a five-year course managed by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and enables participants to receive a Duel trade certificate in Instrument/Electrical plus accreditation as Production Technicians.

This is a large commitment for a company of ARC's size and highlights our strong support for youth employment opportunities in the oil & gas industry.

South Metropolitan Youth Link

Supported through APPEA, ARC participates in the South Metropolitan Youth Link, which is a structured program providing on-the-job training for 12 months for indigenous school leavers. The training given by ARC meets the requirements for the trainee to achieve their Certificate II in Business.

Yamatji Land and Sea Council

ARC has pledged a substantial annual payment for three years to the Yamatji Land and Sea Council to assist in the funding of an Economic Development Officer. The officer's role is to work on improving the economic and social wellbeing of the Yamatji people around Geraldton by identifying opportunities for their community to participate in the economic growth of Geraldton and its hinterland.

Enquiries regarding community partnerships with ARC should be directed in writing to arc@arcenergy.com.au.

Environmental Initiatives

ARC's environmental initiatives have been well recognised by both government and industry.

In 2004, ARC received a Certificate of Merit in the WA Government's Golden Gecko Awards for Environmental Excellence for its ongoing commitment to environmentally sustainable practices.

The award highlighted ARC's innovation for its Hovea Oil Field Crude Export System, which reduced total truck movements by 62 per cent, thereby reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as minimising both community and environmental risk in the transportation of crude oil.

ARC was also announced winner of the Producer of the Year and Deal of the Year by the WA Government's Resources Information Unit in 2004 for its success in the Perth Basin, and was awarded APPEA's Environment Award in 2003 for outstanding contribution to continuous improvement in environmental management.