Anglo American digs deep for Queensland's flood affected communities
17 January, 2011
The Chairman of Anglo American plc, Sir John Parker, today announced a $1 million donation to Queensland’s flood relief and recovery effort bringing Anglo American’s total financial, accommodation and logistics contribution to $1.5 million.
Sir John made the announcement during a visit to Anglo American’s Dawson Mine near Moura, where 328 Theodore evacuees have been housed at the mine camp and other facilities since floods swept through the town at Christmas.
“These are very challenging days for Queensland and Anglo American is committing $1.5 million in cash and in-kind to the relief and recovery effort of the regions, cities and towns affected by the unprecedented flood disaster,” Sir John said.
“I have come to Central Queensland to reaffirm Anglo American’s support for the people of Theodore as they start the process of recovery and to thank our employees, suppliers and local businesses who have worked tirelessly providing food, shelter, transport and other basic necessities to 328 evacuees,” Sir John said.
The Chief Executive of Anglo American’s Metallurgical Coal business, Mr Seamus French, said the $1 million flood recovery contribution is in addition to funds already committed to the Queensland Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal by Anglo American’s Australian coal business, as well as employee contributions.
“We are glad to have done everything we could to help the Theodore community which includes a number of our employees,” Mr French said.
“The $1 million contribution will go to the Queensland Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal as well as local initiatives set up by the Theodore community, Anglicare and Banana Shire Council to help affected people get back on their feet and to rebuild local infrastructure such as roads, parks and community amenities.
“Our employees, many of whom live in Moura and Biloela, worked with Spotless at the Dawson Town Village and as volunteers helping Theodore evacuees, the Council and the Red Cross, organise accommodation, logistics and other support services.
“Anglo American is part of the Moura community and our employees are making a difference by helping the people of Theodore and Queensland in their time of need,” Mr French said.
Anglo American’s contribution to the Queensland flood disaster relief and recovery effort includes:
- $820,000 in financial donations to the Queensland Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal;
- $145,000 contribution to Banana Shire Council for local infrastructure reconstruction;
- $20,000 donation to Anglicare for provision of direct financial support to families affected by flooding in the Banana Shire;
- $100,000 donation to the Theodore Community Trust Fund for direct recovery assistance to local residents and businesses impacted by the floods;
- $15,000 donation to fundraising activities in support of flood affected residents along the Mackenzie River in the Isaac Regional Council area;
- Approximately $250,000 spent on the provision of accommodation to 328 Theodore evacuees including 15,000 meals and basic necessities;
- Employee payroll donations to the Queensland Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal; and
- Provision of helicopter, flight coordination at Moura airstrip
and ground transport
provision during the evacuation of Theodore.