Port Authority of NSW is committed to ongoing collaboration with our people, customers, stakeholders and communities to improve social and environmental outcomes in and around our ports, while delivering economic prosperity for the state of New South Wales through facilitating shipping, tourism and trade.

Port Authority’s renewed strategic focus on sustainability commenced in 2019 with the development of a sustainability vision, a sustainability plan and a framework for embedding sustainable practices and initiatives across the organisation.

Since 2020, several sustainability initiatives have been completed and others continue to be progressed, delivering significant benefits for our people, the planet, our stakeholders and customers and our operations and prosperity.

In 2023/24, Port Authority undertook a comprehensive update of its material topics aligned with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. The outcome of the materiality assessment is underpinning an update to Port Authority’s sustainability framework and sustainability policy and helping ensure future actions and initiatives are aligned to the identified material topics.

Sustainability Framework

Port Authority's evolving approach to sustainability is framed by four overarching themes and our 16 material topics. 

Open water at sunrise with three dolphins seen in the foreground with a vessel further at sea

Planet

Sustainable Development Goal 11 sustainable cities and communities
Sustainable Development Goal 13 climate action
Sustainable Development Goal 14 life below water
Sustainable Development Goal 15 life on land
  • Decarbonisation and energy use
  • Climate change adaptation and resilience
  • Biodiversity preservation
  • Environmental stewardship

Our commitment to planet

Four Port Authority staff in uniform at the back of a vessel in the open water with shore in the distance

People

Sustainable Development Goal 3 Good health and well-being
Sustainable Development Goal 4 Quality education
Sustainable Development Goal 5 Gender Equality
Sustainable Development Goal 8 decent work and economic growth
Sustainable Development Goal 16 peace, justice and strong institutions
  • Employee health, safety and wellbeing
  • Employee engagement and development
  • Diversity, equity and inclusion
  • Governance, ethics and integrity

Our commitment to people

Pink and blue lights shine from the Overseas Passenger Terminal with the Harbour Bridge in the distance during Vivid Sydney

Partnerships

Sustainable Development Goal 10 reduced inequalities
Sustainable Development Goal 17 partnerships for the goals
  • Engaging first nations
  • Community engagement
  • Social licence to operate
  • Collaboration, partnerships and engagement
  • Leadership and advocacy

Our commitment to partnerships

Aerial of cruise ship moored in Eden surrounded by vast expanse of water and hills

Prosperity

Sustainable Development Goal 8 decent work and economic growth
Sustainable Development Goal 9 industry innovation and infrastructure
  • Efficient, responsible and resilient supply chains
  • Innovation, digital transformation and cyber security
  • Port infrastructure, safety, trade and asset management

Our commitment to prosperity