NQXT Pty Ltd upholds best practice environmental standards as the Terminal exports Queensland coal safely, responsibly and efficiently to the world.

The Terminal has operated safely and sustainably for more than 40 years in an area adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef and other protected and sensitive terrestrial and marine environments.

Environmental protection and management remain at the forefront of our sustainability agenda. We recognise the importance of preserving and safeguarding the natural environment.

Through rigorous environmental management systems and sustainable practices, we actively work to minimise our ecological footprint, reduce emissions, and care for water resources.

The waters surrounding the North Queensland Export Terminal are home to whales and other marine mammals and sea life whose presence demonstrates that our business and a vibrant marine ecosystem can coexist.

Our operations adhere to international and domestic laws that regulate the movement of ships to protect the marine environment.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), along with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) oversee and enforce these regulations.

The North Queensland Export Terminal has significant natural advantages that minimise the impact on the marine environment.

As the Terminal’s two berths are in deep water, no dredging is required, and vessels access the Terminal via shipping lanes that follow naturally occurring channels.

NQXT Pty Ltd has incorporated special features into the Terminal’s infrastructure to support the local marine environment.

For example, the greater Port of Abbot Point area is home to green and flatback sea turtles and these species return annually to use nearby beaches for nesting.

Special amber coloured light has been installed on the Terminal’s infrastructure to minimise the risk of light impacts on baby turtles as they use the natural light from the horizon to find their way to the ocean when they first hatch.

The lights are also placed in areas to prevent glow encroaching into nearby habitats and the amber lighting is beneficial to the movement and behaviour of other wildlife including echidnas and migratory birds.

We extend the same meticulous care and respect for the local terrestrial environment as we do for the marine environment in which we operate.

NQXT Pty Ltd operates with a plan for current operations and long-term rehabilitation.

This focus covers sustainable water use, dust and waste management.

The 5,150-hectare man-made Caley Valley Wetlands are located to the west and south-west of the Terminal.

Our operator, APO, undertakes a range of operational and environmental actions at the Terminal to protect this valued ecosystem which is classified in the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia (DIWA) as a nationally important marine and coastal zone wetland. These include managing water that collects onsite during heavy rain and ensuring it is not released into the surrounding environment unless it meets strict standards for water quality.

The wetlands create an important ecosystem for migratory and resident shore birds, and approximately 218 native bird species can be found in the area.

Management activities include investment in water infrastructure, compliance with strict water quality requirements and monitoring stormwater.

NQXT Pty Ltd undertakes export operations for our customers in an efficient manner.

We report on Scope 1 and Scope 2 Green House Gas (GHG) emissions consistent with the requirements of the Federal National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) Reporting and Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme (NGERs).

We work to continuously assess opportunities for energy saving measures and implement technology to deliver energy savings.

Social

We export to the world, but our success is driven by our local connections.

The North Queensland Export Terminal has been an integral part of the Bowen and surrounding communities for more than 40 years.

We value our role as an important part of the Bowen community.

Approximately 90 per cent of employees who work for our operations and maintenance contractor, APO, live in the Whitsunday region. We are proud that our employees and their families make a significant contribution to the town, both by providing vital inputs to the local economy when they shop and use local businesses and services, and to the social fabric of the town by being part of community and social activities.

APO also leads a community benefit program which has provided more than $2 million in local assistance in the areas of education, community groups and health and aged care since 2017.

APO speaks directly with local community groups and stakeholders to decide how this money is invested.

This two-way communication with local stakeholders, contractors, business partners, and the Bowen community creates a lasting, sustainable impact.

Governance

NQXT Pty Ltd operates in accordance with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.

Terminal operations are undertaken transparently, in a way that supports business efficiency, growth and sustainable outcomes. The entity is registered in Australia and meets its obligations under the Corporations Act and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) requirements.

NQXT Pty Ltd’s governance procedures are overseen by our Board of Directors.

Our governance processes ensure that we operate transparently in a way that supports business efficiency, growth and risk mitigation.

Quarterly and annual reporting to the Board and key stakeholders occurs for both the Australian and Indian Financial Years.

We recognise that sustainability requires a whole of business approach.

NQXT Pty Ltd’s sustainability journey is underpinned by a robust sustainability framework that is grounded in our values and focus areas of People, Planet, Prosperity, Partnerships, and Governance.

Our Sustainability Roadmap was informed by an independent materiality assessment and sets out our path to continued excellence in the Environmental, Social, and Governance space.

Our Sustainability Roadmap includes both foundation areas – those we are already mature in and have embedded processes to drive continuous improvement in – and areas for specific future focus.

A core component of the governance frameworks is the implementation of ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) in our safety, environmental and quality management systems.

NQXT Pty Ltd and APO maintain ISO certification, ensuring systems and processes are established and regularly reviewed to control risks to people, plant and the environment.

Terminal operations have held accreditation under the management systems standards ISO 9001 and 14001 since 2010 and 45001 (previously 18001) since 2014.

Accreditation is monitored and reviewed annually via surveillance audits conducted by an external, third-party, ISO certification body. Recertification occurs tri annually (every three years).

NQXT Pty Ltd is committed to safeguarding both the asset and the surrounding environment beyond the operational horizon. Under the 99-year lease agreement with the Queensland Government, we do more than commit to contribute to rehabilitation in a future state – we progressively fund the full rehabilitation cost of the asset and the land through annual instalments to the North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) rehabilitation fund.

This structured funding model guarantees sufficient funds have been set aside to support an agreed comprehensive rehabilitation and monitoring plan when the time comes.