Maintaining a Relationship with the Community

The Bulga Complex values the relationship it has with the community and makes concerted efforts to maintain that relationship.  Our approach is to:

• Be open about our activities;
• Respond to community concerns  and complaints in a timely and professional manner;
• Maintain a dialogue with the community; and
• Support community events and activities.

Maintaining a Dialogue with the Community

The Bulga Complex maintains a dialogue with the community through the community barbeque program, community newsletters and personal meetings.  The community barbeque program was developed to provide opportunity for the community to meet staff from Beltana and Bulga Coal in an informal setting and for us to provide an update of our mining operations as well as answer any questions the community may have.  The community barbeques also provide a social opportunity for community members. 

Community Support

We believe that local communities should benefit from our operations, both in the short and long-term.  The Bulga Complex supports the local communities in the following areas: 

• Sponsorship, donations and buying locally
• In kind support
• Employing local contractors and using local businesses where possible
• Holding positions on committees such as the Broke Fair Committee
• Good working relationships with local community groups
• Local school tours on sustainable mining
• Community barbeque program aimed at strengthening our relationships with community members

Broke Fordwich History

A history capturing the essence of life in Broke Fordwich, the characters, their spirit and the changing landscapes will be researched and written by professional historians.  The project will include community input and is expected to be completed in 2011.

Aboriginal Cultural Centre

A vision of Wonnaruah elder, Barbara Foot, the Aboriginal cultural centre will showcase local Indigenous culture for children and adults. Xstrata Coal pledged $600,000 in 2009 towards the development of the cultural centre.   The committee are focusing on gaining access to a site at Redbournberry in Singleton.  

Broke Village Fair and Vintage Car Display

The Bulga Complex is the major sponsor of the Broke Fair, a community based fair which attracts thousands of visitors from the Hunter Valley every year. 

Broke Public School

The Bulga Complex is proud to support initiatives associated with educating our children.   Our contributions include a soft fall play area, school shirts for every student and the Language Development Partnership and Teachers  Aide. 

Broke P&C Association

It’s the little things that make a difference.  Our support includes funding for blue light discos and swimming lessons.

Milbrodale Public School

With only a small number of families at the school, fundraising can be tough.  Lending a hand at the 2011 Trash and Treasure Day, the donation from the Bulga Complex helped purchase prizes for the raffles.   In 2009, a team of apprentices and staff were a part of the ‘Milbrodale Blitz’ which saw the lunch area and vegie patch upgraded and a new bmx track completed.

Xstrata Coal – Corporate Social Involvement

Xstrata Coal is committed to making a significant positive difference to the lives of others through its Corporate Social Involvement (CSI).

Xstrata Coal’s Corporate Social Involvement in the Singleton area includes:

• Maitland Neighbourhood Centre $80,000
• Muswellbrook Women and Children’s Refuge $80,000
• LifeLine – Hunter Support Program $150,000
• Hunter Prelude Singleton $170,000
• The Song Room $115,000
• Hunter Valley Training Company $320,000
• Hunter Central Rivers CMA $500,000
• Conservation Volunteers Australia – Singleton Indigenous Regeneration Support Team $150,000

Community Consultative Committee

A combined Community Consultative Committee (CCC) operates for the Beltana and Bulga Coal operations.

The purpose of the CCC is to provide a forum for open discussion between Beltana and Bulga Coal representatives, the community, the Council and other stakeholders on issues directly relating to the mine's operations and environmental performance, and to keep the community informed on these matters.