QRC welcomes Rio Tinto’s $100k contribution to the Drought Appeal

THE Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed a $100,000 contribution by Rio Tinto to the Queensland Drought Appeal to help support farming communities affected by the drought.

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said everyone needed to play their part in helping regional communities affected.

“As two primary industries, resources and agriculture have a long and proud history of working together. The resources sector has played its part by building infrastructure which farmers use to service their farms today,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“All droughts bring extreme hardship and the impact flows through to the local butcher, barber and supermarket. Everyone feels the economic pain when the farms are in trouble.

“I congratulate Rio Tinto for its contribution to the appeal with the total contribution from resource companies standing at $316,000 – Shell Australia ($100k) and Santos ($75k + $41k in cattle sales at the Ekka).

“I strongly encourage everyone if they can to dig deep and donate what they can.”

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).

The appeal started with a $100,000 contribution from the Queensland Government and 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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