Santos donates almost $200K to drought-affected farmers

farm

Australia’s natural gas giant Santos has supported the Queensland Drought Appeal by donating the proceeds from the sale of Santos cattle at the Ekka this week.

The sale of 21 Santos cattle from the company’s agricultural business in the Maranoa district raised $41,737.

Santos will also kick in an extra $75,000, taking its total support to Queensland farmers to more than $116,000.

Santos managing director and CEO Kevin Gallagher said as a proudly Australian company that’s worked in partnership with Queensland landholders for decades, it’s only right to lend a hand.

“We know regional communities are doing it tough at the moment with more than half of Queensland in drought,” Mr Gallagher said.

“Helping each other out is what good neighbours do, and that’s why we’re pleased to donate the proceeds from the sale of 21 Santos cattle at the Ekka.

“Santos has been working alongside Queensland graziers for more than 50 years, safely and sustainably developing the State’s natural gas resources and we look forward to being part of the regional communities where we operate for many decades to come.”

The Queensland Drought Appeal, launched by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at the Ekka, will provide all money raised to the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) to be spent on the ground to assist those who live in drought-stricken communities.

Queensland’s Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the Santos cattle sale and cash donation added “serious momentum” to the Queensland Drought Appeal.

“To have companies coming on board to support Queensland farmers so soon is wonderful,” Mr Furner said

Mt Gallagher said Santos would also donate $75,000 to support farmers in the Narrabri region in New South Wales where the company operates.

“To support the communities where we live and work, Santos has also launched a staff appeal and will match employee donations to the Queensland Drought Appeal or other charities helping out with the drought,” he said.

Previous articleOverwhelming support for NEG in Coalition party room
Next articleTurnbull announces major changes to energy policy