19 August 2015

Whitehaven spends $215m with local businesses and suppliers in FY2015

Whitehaven Coal spent nearly $215 million with local businesses in North Western NSW this financial year.

As the company’s new Maules Creek mine ramped up production, the amount spent with suppliers in the Gunnedah, Narrabri, Tamworth and Liverpool Plains shires has risen to $214.9m in the year to 30 June 2015, and a total of $572.7m over the past three financial years.

In addition to this significant spend with local businesses, Whitehaven’s economic contribution also includes:

• Local wages in excess of $125.6 million this financial year. With over 75% of Whitehaven’s 779 FTE employees living in the north west NSW region this money will stay in the local community.
• Donations and sponsorships of local community organisations totalling $182k.
• Extending our commitment to the Westpac Helicopter Service by a further $100k through a matched employee payroll program.
• Committing more than $26.7m to local councils via our Voluntary Planning Agreements which fund investment in local infrastructure and services around the region – including the upgrade of roads and Narrabri airport.
• Royalties and taxes paid to the NSW Government totalling nearly $130 million. These royalties are used by the Government to fund schools, hospitals and other infrastructure required around the State.

Whitehaven Coal CEO and Managing Director Paul Flynn said the figures  show the important role that Whitehaven Coal is playing in the economic development of north western NSW.

“We are immensely proud of our roots in this community and these new figures show that our commitment to the area is real and brings value to the region.

“These new figures show our world-class Maules Creek and Narrabri mines are being supported by many local businesses. When you combine that with the fact that more than 75% of our employees live locally and spend their wages here, it’s clear to see the impact of our operations is substantial” Mr Flynn said.

Building the company’s commitment to open and regular engagement with the local community, Whitehaven will later this year increase its community presence by opening a new office in Gunnedah.

“Our move to open a new office in Gunnedah later this year is a further sign of our commitment to increasing our community link and shows that we are grateful for the role local communities have played in Whitehaven’s success to date.”

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