Shell Geelong Refinery Manager, Mr Geoff Ellison, said that the refinery was keen to broaden its relationship with the local community and ensure its advisory structures play a more active and effective role in addressing key stakeholder issues.
Mr Ellison said that Shell accepts that community expectations on the refinery's performance have not been met and is committed to addressing these concerns in the context of a broader consultation and engagement program.
“The role of the new community advisory panel will include monitoring of Shell Geelong’s Environment Improvement Plan as well as development and review of the Social Performance Plan,” said Mr Ellison.
“The new structure will tap into the huge amount of local expertise and knowledge to enable Shell to do a better job,” he said.
Mr Ellison also announced Shell’s participation in the Neighbourhood Renewal program coordinated by the Department of Human Services. The program involves the State Government, local business, support agencies and local residents working together to build stronger, more cohesive communities. Shell’s participation will include support of a range of strategies focused around the Norlane/Corio community.
Participation in the Neighbourhood Renewal initiative builds on the refinery’s commitment to support the local community around the areas of health, education and care for the environment. Art, football and music outreach programs that benefit children from nearby schools and funding for volunteers who make curtains for public housing tenants are among the types of projects supported by the refinery’s social investment program.
“As a major employer and contributor to the economic development of the local community, the refinery is proud to be participating in a program that will achieve significant benefits for Geelong,” Mr Ellison said.
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