Geelong wants to be Australia’s most sustainable port

GEELONGPORT has launched its inaugural Sustainability Strategy 2026–30, outlining what it says is a clear pathway to reduce emissions while strengthening the resilience and long-term performance of one of Victoria’s critical trade gateways.

A central commitment is achieving net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, alongside working with customers, tenants and suppliers to drive meaningful progress on Scope 3 emissions across the broader port supply chain.

GeelongPort says the new strategy positions sustainability as a core operating discipline, integrated into capital allocation, asset management and risk oversight to ensure the port remains fit for purpose in an environment of increasing climate risk, regulatory scrutiny and shifting market expectations.

It establishes a practical framework for how GeelongPort will operate, invest and grow over the next four years, embedding sustainability at the centre of decision-making and long-term value creation.

CEO Brett Winter said sustainability was fundamental to the future and the industries and communities the port serves: “Our Strategy reflects who we are as a regional port. We live here, we work here, and we are invested in the long-term future of this community.”

The four-year roadmap is anchored by three strategic directions:

• Sustainable Value Leadership – strengthening governance, accountability and credible climate transition planning.
• Resilient Assets and Systems – ensuring infrastructure is climate-ready, adaptable and capable of supporting reliable trade and emerging industries.
• People and Partnerships – building a safe, inclusive and capable workforce while deepening trusted relationships with Traditional Owners, customers and the community.

The strategy strengthens GeelongPort’s approach to climate risk and disruption, embedding sustainability into procurement, development and investment decisions, and improving transparency in how environmental and social outcomes are measured and reported.

It also reinforces the port’s responsibility as a long-term steward of the area in which it operates, with commitments to protect natural resources, preserve biodiversity and safeguard cultural heritage, recognising that the port’s long-term success is closely tied to the wellbeing of the region it serves.

“By 2030, sustainability will be embedded across every aspect of GeelongPort’s operations, guiding how assets are planned and managed, and how value is created for customers, industry and the community,” Mr Winter said.

Stephanie Pickett, chief legal and sustainability officer, added: “We know meaningful progress requires partnership. This Strategy brings our customers, community and stakeholders with us on that journey.

“By embedding sustainability into how we govern, invest and operate, we are strengthening the resilience of our port and supporting the long-term prosperity of our region.”

As Victoria’s second largest port, GeelongPort facilitates more than 13 million tonnes of cargo each year, supporting key industrial supply chains across energy, tourism, construction and bulk commodities.