Chairman's Message

In 2010, Veolia Environnement Australia and New Zealand (Veolia) continued to pursue its ambition: to be the partner of choice in providing essential services to industry, government and communities in Australia and New Zealand.

I am pleased to present the 2010 Sustainable Development data and report for Veolia; which for the first time has moved to a completely online format.

This report is the sixth of its kind to be presented by the group within Australia and New Zealand, and provides our stakeholders; governments, local authorities, the general community and our staff with transparency regarding our performance; but more so provides the blue-print for our future.  

At Veolia, we are focused on delivering economic, environmental and social benefits across Australasia as we face immediate and long-term challenges. The move to a low carbon economy, continued scarcity of natural resources, the tightening of the Australian manufacturing market and growing global economic uncertainty are some of the most historical and challenging influences this generation will face. These challenges must also be met at a time of burgeoning population growth within parts of Australasia.

Veolia as both a partner to some of Australia’s most prolific commercial and industrial entities, as well as numerous governments across the nation, will play a major part in providing solutions to these challenges.

In 2009, we began some of this group’s most important work with the establishment of the Veolia Environnement Australia and New Zealand Advisory Board. This Board was established with the aim of helping all four divisions align themselves across vital business and sustainability goals including; safety, environmental performance and targets, marketing and business development, increased brand awareness and an increased focus on stakeholder engagement.

As a result, we are now closer to the establishment of a group-wide sustainability strategy, whilst also making significant headway on greater synergies across these vital business areas.

I am also excited to announce that in 2011, to aid Veolia’s strategic approach in providing essential urban services for Australia and New Zealand, we have partnered with Infrastructure Partnerships Australia to conduct a ground-breaking study to investigate Australia’s urban infrastructure needs now, and over the next 20 years.

This report will provide insights to Veolia’s sustainable development strategy, and in doing so provide our stakeholders with a timely and much-needed resource for Australia’s future urban landscape.

As you take the time to review the 2010 Sustainable Development data and report, I would like to highlight some of the below achievements;

• Operating revenue A$1.6billion
• Group-wide reduction in Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate from 17.61 in 2009 to 8.8 in 2010
• Reduction in direct GHG emissions from 627,284 t C0₂-e in 2009 to 479,936 t Co₂-e in 2010
• Veolia Environmental Services named winner of the Australian Business Award for Environmental Sustainability

As previously mentioned, whilst we reflect on our results for 2010, Veolia’s future focus will remain on developing and implementing creative solutions for our environment by working closely with our stakeholders to identify their needs, and provide them with our expertise across the waste, water, energy and transport sectors.

Veolia strives to add value to the communities within which, and for whom we work. We look to minimise our environmental impacts, and promote conservation and protection of biodiversity. We employ a dynamic and diverse employee base of more than 6500 staff and these talented people represent future leaders and innovators, and we always look to be at the cutting-edge of technological and sustainable innovation.

I hope you enjoy the 2010 report and I look forward to receiving your feedback.

Doug Dean,

Chairman, Veolia Environnement - Australia and New Zealand