Annual Report 2011 - Sydney Opera House

9I am pleased to report that we haveimplemented a number of strategiesto reduce Sydney Opera House’senvironmental impact and lead the way instrengthening environmental responsibilityin the performing arts. We achievedBronze Partner status in the NSWGovernment’s Sustainability Advantageprogram and a new Sustainable EventsProject Manager role was created.Achieving the highest possible standardsof workplace health and safety foreveryone that works at or visits theSydney Opera House is a priority.An online hazard and incident reportingsystem was implemented and wecollaborated with Opera Australia toenhance safe work practices on and off thestage. A new Business Continuity Managerwas appointed to strengthen emergencyand disaster recovery strategy.Our financial management systemwas improved this year with theimplementation of a new reportingdashboard providing key financial andnon-financial measures to monitororganisational performance. We delivereda strong general operating profit of $3.2mthrough cost control, increased activitylevels and deferral of some projects. A newE-procurement system was launched andintegrated with accounting systems.‘The year has been busyand rewarding andwe have made strongprogress in the fourstrategic priority areas.’Earning Our Way (p.54)The Trust and its sub committees arevaluable in providing independent reviewand oversight of key organisationalinitiatives and risks. The Trust endorsedthe 2010/11 business plan and monitoredthe implementation of the plan objectives.The Audit and Risk Committee workedwith management to strengthen reportingin the key areas of financial and eventrisk, as well as Occupational Health andSafety. The Building Committee supportedmanagement to deliver a highly complexbuilding project and maintenance programon time and on budget.Valuing and developing staff andproviding a positive working environmentis a key focus. Secure remote systemaccess improvements were implementedfor staff and a new three-yearEnterprise Agreement was negotiated,designed to deliver a series of reforms toimprove business efficiency and delivermore flexibility in meeting customerrequirements. National and industryrecognised qualifications were awardedto 11 staff.RICHARD EVANS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE