ABSTRACT
Sustainable development decision-making criteria ensures that the concept's principles can be incorporated into any business-related initiative, project or activity. A consequence of embedding the sustainable development concept into businesses has been a change in behaviours so that sustainability is part of culture. All of the work on the definition of sustainable development led to what could be characterised as the second stage—tools development. Leadership in sustainable development performance is a key success factor in achieving our vision. Rio Tinto Coal Australia (RTCA) operates eight community development funds. Funding decisions are made by committees representing RTCA and local communities. The funds are an integral part of approach to community relations, a key objective of which is to effectively contribute to communities' long-term sustainability. Effective operation of the funds also requires us to have a sound understanding of the needs and aspirations of each community.
