BMA and the Community
As the largest private employer in the Central Queensland region, BMA is committed to ensuring that the communities in which we operate continue to share our success. BMA focuses on developing partnerships which create sustainable value for everyone.
BMA’s community investment activities include the Community Partnerships Program, township spending, landmark projects, Skills for Growth initiatives and site sponsorships and donations. Last year in total more than $23 million has been directed into our communities through these programs.
We spend about $1 million a year on our Community Partnerships Program, which supports a wide range of projects and programs aimed at improving education and training, and social and recreation facilities and access to welfare services in the towns.
BMA has invested millions of dollars in the development and maintenance of the townships which are home to our workforce and their families. The towns are managed by local Councils, but strong support is maintained by BMA. We provide direct support of more than $16 million a year in the form of rates, special levies and funding for infrastructure services like roads and water. These payments are in addition to the significant investment the company is making on new housing, single accommodation apartments and land development, which totalled $210 million for the past three years.
BMA is committed to addressing issues and township needs by developing major infrastructure projects or ‘landmark’ projects to further improve the towns as places to live and work.
BMA established Community Reference Groups in the townships of Dysart, Moranbah and Blackwater to help identify projects and guide their implementation. The groups meet several times a year and are made up of representatives from local community organisations, employees’ partners and BMA senior mine management.
BMA is the principal coordinator of two ‘landmark’ projects already underway – the $9 million Blackwater International Coal Centre, of which $1.25 million is contributed by BMA, and the $6 million Dysart Multi-Purpose Sports Centre, where we are contributing $2 million. Four other potential ‘landmark’ projects have been identified: Moranbah Community Service Hub, Moranbah Aquatic Park, Blackwater Aquatic Park and a Dysart Aquatic Recreation Park.
Individual mines and the Hay Point Coal Terminal undertake a number of other local community initiatives which enhance community life in a wide range of areas including community open days, youth training, environment, education, sport and community welfare.
BMA is also working to ensure clear engagement with state and local government to meet local needs across the region.