Our Contribution
Birdon is committed to delivering projects that create long-term value for our customers, communities and the environments we operate in.
Our approach to ESG is built into how we design, deliver and sustain complex programs, shaping responsible outcomes across environmental stewardship, social impact, safety and governance, and supporting confident delivery across every stage.
Creating meaningful pathways into qualified trades and technical careers
Our ESG Approach
Birdon’s ESG framework is built on four core pillars that guide how we operate, deliver and partner with our customers.
Environmental
We recognise that we hold a significant environmental responsibility and are committed to protecting marine and water systems and the broader environment from pollution by eliminating and minimising the environmental impact of our operations.
Environmental aspects of our operations are managed through the implementation and maintenance of our Integrated Management System (IMS) certified to ISO 14001 and other standards.
Key focus areas:
- Recycling rates exceeding 97% across major decommissioning projects
- Environmental risk management through project-specific controls
- Compliance with ISO 14001 (AU) environmental management standards
- Material recovery, waste reduction, and support for customer ESG reporting
Social
We invest in people, communities, and local industry, creating opportunities that extend beyond individual projects.
Our approach supports regional employment, capability development, and inclusive participation across the industries and locations where we operate.
Key focus areas:
- Veterans employment and pathways recognising transferable skills and leadership
- In Australia, we provide Indigenous employment, engagement, and structured career pathways
- Regional workforce development and local supply chain participation
- Education, training, and early-career opportunities
Safety
Safety is fundamental to how we operate. Our “Make It Safe” culture ensures that every project is delivered with a focus on protecting people, assets and environments.
We maintain disciplined systems and processes that support consistent safety performance across all operations.
Key focus areas:
- “Make It Safe” safety culture and engagement programs
- ISO 45001 (AU) certified safety systems
- Proactive risk management and hazard identification
- Continuous improvement in safety performance
Governance
We operate with strong governance, ethical conduct and accountability across all aspects of the business.
Our systems ensure compliance, transparency and consistent decision-making across global operations.
Key focus areas:
- Code of Conduct and ethical business practices
- Compliance with ISO 9001 quality management standards
- Ethical and responsible AI adoption aligned to governance and risk management frameworks
- Risk management and regulatory compliance
Regional Contribution Snapshot
Founded in 1977, Birdon has grown into a global business while keeping half of its Australian workforce based in Port Macquarie, on the Mid North Coast.
Two major defence programs are underway in Port Macquarie: the AV‑L amphibious vehicle program, sustaining 45+ engineers and growing to a 70‑person production workforce; and Young Endeavour delivering in 2026 supporting a significant regional workforce, with around 250 people contributing to the build over its duration. Both were designed and built locally.
Birdon Futures strengthens this pipeline, with nine new apprentices and the first university intern cohort.
Community investment is long‑standing, including over $1 million raised through the Jim Bruce Trust for prostate cancer support, 14 nurse scholarships, critical medical equipment donations, and support for Marine Rescue, the Hastings Education Fund and local STEM programs.
Our Indigenous Engagement Strategy
Guided by our core values of family culture, customer driven, trust, and make it happen, Birdon’s Indigenous Engagement Strategy reflects our commitment to fostering genuine opportunities and sustainable partnerships with First Nations peoples and communities.
We recognise that this is essential to creating certainty for all the communities we operate in. As a proud regional employer and an Australian-owned business, we have a unique opportunity to make positive and tangible change towards a more inclusive Australia.
The Strategy provides a roadmap for us as we make our company more accessible and supportive for Indigenous peoples and communities.
Our Indigenous Engagement Strategy is centred on three key priorities:
- Respectful Engagement
- Employment
- Economic Inclusion
