Published: April 28, 2020 |

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BHP has struck a partnership with health care providers in Queensland to support the capacity of on the ground health services by developing and servicing Covid-19 testing centers in Central Queensland.

The company will allocate $7.6 million from its recently created Vital Resources Fund to support the establishment of COVID-19 testing centers in Queensland to ease the strain on regional health services and hospitals.

The centers will be delivered in Moranbah and Proserpine by private health provider Vanguard Health and will enable patients to be tested for COVID19 after presenting clear symptoms of the virus.

They will offer additional protection to the local community during the pandemic by keeping people who may be contagious away from other areas of hospitals and health centers, helping to reduce the potential for further spread of COVID19.

The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the investment by BHP, noting that it was an example of the sector’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its workers and local communities.

QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the resources sector was committed to a ‘people first’ response to the novel coronavirus.

“Our sector always has and always will put safety as its number one priority including working with health authorities to assist with greater resources during this outbreak,” Macfarlane said.

Queensland Mines Minister Anthony Lynham said the resources sector continued to step up and protect its workers and the regional communities they work in.

“The sector has taken up the challenges of changed worked practices, of social distancing, of extra hygiene and reducing its traveling workforces, while continuing to provide pay packets for Queensland families,” he said.

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), owned 50:50 by BHP and Mitsubishi Development, operates seven coal mines in Bowen Basin and owns and operates the Hay Point Coal Terminal near Mackay.

BMA Asset President James Palmer said the organization was determined to play its part in the significant collective response required from businesses, governments and communities across Australia.

“While it is critical for the economy that we continue to safely operate our mines, we understand local concern about the risk of people moving into the region,” he said.

BHP Mitsui Coal Asset President Elsabe Muller said the resources industry is stepping up to support the economy, but will equally ensure that it is doing everything it can to protect the community.

“The health and safety of our employees, contractors and the communities in which we operate is our highest priority,” she said. “Funding these testing centres shows that we will play our part to allay any fears, and support Central Queensland during this challenging time,” she said.

Announced by BHP in March, the $50 million Vital Resources Fund is aimed at supporting regional Australian communities where BHP has active operations.

The centers will operate seven days a week and will be available for anyone in the community to get assessed and tested for COVID-19.

The initial investment will enable the centers to operate for six months. BHP has promised to consider further funding from the Vital Resources Fund if required.

Source: Safe To Work

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