The Western Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) recently opened nominations for its new Community Partnership Resources Sector Award.
According to the DMP, the award aims to “publicly celebrate examples of outstanding leadership that have helped to build strong community partnerships and created positive and meaningful outcomes for communities throughout WA”.
Dr Ivor Roberts, the DMP’s executive director of mineral titles, said the award would allow resources companies to showcase their innovative partnership-building practices and further their reputation.
“By working together to address local concerns, resources companies and communities can help to build relationships that result in ongoing positive outcomes for all involved. This award will celebrate those partnerships,” he said.
Any project that operates within WA’s minerals, energy resources or extractive industries – including quarries – is eligible for nomination, and entries can range from local activities to company-wide initiatives.
“Nominees will be judged against the selection criteria, not other applicants, meaning more than one award can be presented each year,” Roberts noted. “I would therefore encourage as many community groups and resource companies as possible to submit a nomination for this prestigious new accolade.”
Elaborating on this, the DMP’s website stated: “… it is not possible to compare two completely different activities, eg a small mine prospecting activity and a major offshore petroleum development in partnership with a statewide community group. They may both receive a Community Partnership Award, along with the local community, in the same year because they are considered best practice in their field.”
Nominations close 29 April, 2016, with entries to be assessed against three criteria: leadership/innovation in engagement, benefits of the collaboration, and commitment to providing sustainable and enduring outcomes.
After evaluation by an assessment panel, a selection committee chaired by DMP director-general Richard Sellers will judge the nominees.
The WA Minister for Mines and Petroleum will present the awards at the annual DMP Awards for Excellence event in September or October 2016.
More information is available at www.dmp.wa.gov.au
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