Health, Safety, Environment and Community Report 2004

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BlueScope Steel's Growing Great Gardens' project

BlueScope Steel is working to improve the look of the local community through 'BlueScope Steel's Growing Great Gardens' project, assisting schools to go 'green' while improving the visual amenity of our Port Kembla sites.

Through the 'Growing up Green in the Living Classroom' project, the Company is funding garden projects at six local primary schools. Local non-profit community group - the North Wollongong Garden and Cultural Development Association - is working with schools to develop and implement environmental management plans and establish sustainable gardens.

The program is very hands-on, with the children taking an active role in planning, planting and managing their gardens.

The garden at Cringila Public School was launched in December 2004 and Coniston Public School's garden is now at implementation stage. Similar projects are planned at four more local schools.

Through the Site Improvement Plan, BlueScope Steel is improving the visual amenity of the perimeter of the Port Kembla Steelworks, at a cost of up to $5 million per year, over 3 years.

To date, the project has concentrated on Springhill Road, Centenary Oval and Five Islands Road. More than 12,000 trees and shrubs have been planted, buildings have been painted and fences have been relocated and upgraded. A major visual improvement strategy is also underway on the site's two large Gas Holders.

In addition, a series of Community Banners installed along Springhill Road provide community groups with a high profile promotional opportunity for significant local events, while providing a colourful feature to the roadway.

BlueScope Steel is working to improve the look of the local community through 'BlueScope Steel's Growing Great Gardens' project.

BlueScope Steel is working to improve the look of the local community through 'BlueScope Steel's Growing Great Gardens' project.


The program is very hands-on, with the children taking an active role in planning, planting and managing their gardens.

The program is very hands-on, with the children taking an active role in planning, planting and managing their gardens.