The Queensland Resources Council has welcomed a $7.6 million investment by BHP to support the establishment of COVID-19 testing centres in Moranbah and Proserpine as another 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," Mr Macfarlane said.
"I congratulate BHP on this significant contribution into the health infrastructure of the Isaac and Whitsunday regions.
"While it is critical for the economy that we continue to safely operate our mines, we understand the community concerns. Our sector has not only adhered to the advice of the State's Chief Health Officer but has implemented more safety measures to protect the men and women working in the resources sector, their colleagues, their families and their communities."
The centres would be managed by Vanguard Health to enable patients to be tested for COVID-19 after presenting with clear symptoms of the virus, or following high-risk interaction and provide triage and testing services with a tele-health capability for six months. The $7.6 million is the largest single investment from BHP's $50 million Vital Resources Fund in Australia.
