Domain Objective: “Establishment and maintenance of collaborative and productive relationships with stakeholders.”

Establishing and maintaining positive and collaborative relationships with various stakeholders has been at the forefront of our approach to stakeholder engagement. This includes engagement with the community, various government departments and agencies and industry. WSA has satisfied its 2018–19 target of establishing a baseline in relation to community engagement following initial community feedback.

A major focus was preparing for the Experience Centre — WSA’s centrepiece for engagement with local schools and community groups.

We maintain a strong presence at local community events, with information stalls at shows, festivals and markets including the Luddenham and Hawkesbury shows.

WSA continued its strong and productive relationships with government and industry, conducting regular meetings with all three levels of government to ensure an integrated planning approach is undertaken. WSA conducted quarterly Stakeholder Planning Forums to share information and optimise integration opportunities with key Commonwealth, State and local agencies and is actively working with the WCAA to coordinate the delivery of critical supporting infrastructure for the Airport and surrounding Aerotropolis. In addition, the Company contributed to the Commonwealth-led Forum on Western Sydney Airport.

Expansive infrastructure projects attract a significant amount of interest for not only the surrounding communities, but also for the large number of key stakeholders involved. A social licence to construct, commission and operate Western Sydney International refers to the level of acceptance or approval, by local communities and stakeholders. A failure to deliver on community, business and shareholder expectations could result in damage to brand, reputation and community sentiment, resulting in potential impacts to the commercial viability and long-term value of the asset. WSA has an inherently high social (stakeholder and community) risk. A robust control framework, incorporating adaptive stakeholder and community programs, guides the
management of this risk.

We are committed to engaging with our local communities and stakeholders and to making a respectful and positive contribution to the long-term socio-economic prosperity of Aboriginal and non-Indigenous communities and broader Western Sydney region. WSA maintains an interactive website, three social media channels and a 24/7 phone line for community members. We also conduct local doorknocks, letterbox drops and community information sessions to ensure our neighbours and broader community are kept informed of developments both on and around the Airport site.