Resources sector welcomes higher drought relief payment for families

THE decision to increase the Queensland Drought Appeal payment for every drought-affected family to $7500 has been welcomed by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the increase from $5000 to $7500 means the donations from QRC member companies will help more than 40 families doing it tough.

“QRC members have donated in excess of $300,000 and we supported the Appeal dinner at Parliament House last week,” he said.

Both Rio Tinto and Shell Australia matched the Queensland Government’s $100,000 donation to the Queensland Drought Appeal, Santos contributed $116,000 with a donation of $75,000 and $41,000 in proceeds from the sale of cattle at the Royal Queensland Show and Arrow Energy provided lunch for 550 farmers for Beef Week, along with $10,000 towards feed for livestock.

Queensland Alumina Limited delivered $35,000 worth of hay to Rural Aid and New Hope Group donated $50,000 to Aussie Helpers

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

Mr Macfarlane said agriculture, like the resources sector, was a key industry for Queensland and it is important for all Queenslanders to support our farming families battling drought.

“Our companies work with primary producers. Indeed the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority recently reported the LNG industry, through agreements with landholders, have paid them $387 million,” Mr Macfarlane said.

www.qrc.org.au

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