QRC welcomes Shell and Santos contributions to Drought Appeal

THE Queensland Resources Council has welcomed a $100,000 contribution by Shell Australia and a $75,000 contribution by Santos to the Queensland Drought Appeal to help support regional communities affected by the drought. 

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the drought was causing extreme hardship on farmers which flows right through the community. 

“As a former farmer I know how devasting a drought is to people’s livelihoods and the pain has a direct impact on the local shops and suppliers. If the farms aren’t doing well everyone suffers in town,” Mr Macfarlane said.

"As two primary industries, resources and agriculture have a long and proud history of working together. In particular, the CSG industry has formed co-existence agreements with landholders delivering around $400 million in payments. 

“Today we saw another example of that longstanding relationship with the sales proceeds from a Santos cattle auction at the Ekka paid into the fund.” 

The Queensland Drought Appeal was launched by the Queensland Government at the Ekka and will provide all money raised to the Queensland Country Womens Association (QCWA). 

“I congratulate Shell, Santos and also Premier Palaszczuk for contributing a total of $277,000 into the fund in the last 24 hours and I strongly encourage everyone if they can to dig deep and donate what they can,” Mr Macfarlane said. 

“It’s importance for the resources sector to help out regional communities with many of our own projects operating nearby.” 

Yesterday, Arrow Energy provided lunch for 550 farmers for Beef Week, along with $10,000 towards feed for livestock during the Ekka.

The appeal will remain open for at least three months with all donations of $2 or more to the appeal tax deductible - online donations can be made at www.qlddroughtappeal.com.au.

www.qrc.org.au

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