At all levels of SO4, people are empowered to drive the development of long-lasting partnerships and positive, sustainable social and economic outcomes for the local Aboriginal community upon whose country we operate.
SO4’s core engagement strategies include early consultation and engagement, open and transparent communication, fostering collaboration, welcoming feedback and incorporating community and stakeholder considerations into the design and implementation of its Projects.
SO4 works in partnership with our native title partners, community members and regulators to encourage open, transparent and inclusive communication, which allows new relationships to be developed and existing relationships to grow. Our community engagement approach is reflected at all levels of our company and includes four key areas:
SO4 has established partnerships with native title parties associated with the land upon which our projects and operations are based.
Our goal is to establish and drive positive, long-term and sustainable community economic and social outcomes, and responsibly manage Aboriginal heritage in line with legislative and contractual requirements.
We recognise that Aboriginal community partnerships contribute to a positive legacy for future generations.
In November 2019, SO4 entered into a comprehensive land access agreement (LAA) with the Tarlka Matuwa Piarku Aboriginal Corporation (TMPAC), providing tenure and approval security to the Lake Way Project and significant economic, social, and environmental outcomes to our native title partners and the community.
Agreed benefits included:
"This agreement supports the partnership that has been established between TMPAC and SO4 which will provide on-going benefits for our people whilst ensuring the continued respect for the heritage and culture of the area."
Michael Tullock, TMPAC Chairperson
SO4 is developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) that provides a framework that supports the national reconciliation movement. Practical actions will be integrated into our business plan and shape our company’s contribution to reconciliation within our operations and local communities.
SO4’s innovative RAP consists of three core pillars:
Further information relating to the RAP will be available soon.