The Gladstone region has faced an extended period with limited rainfall. This along with increased fire risk, is creating challenging conditions for many local farmers who are feeling the pressure on keeping livestock fed and are in demand of hay.
Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) hopes to help by donating $5,000 to Aussie Helpers and over $17,000 worth of hay to farmers in need in the Gladstone Region.
QAL has 300 hectares of buffer land and residue ponds, parts of which were topsoiled and revegetated with rhodes grass many years ago. QAL has committed to cutting and baling this grass into approximately 230 large round bales of hay and are calling for expressions of interest from livestock owners in need.
Manager – Tailings and Environment, Simon Rice, said; “We recognise the importance of finding dual purposes for the grass we grow on QAL property. With many of our employees and local community struggling in an already-tough market of feed, we hope these 230 bales help support local farmers.”
“We usually use all the cut grass for on-site mulching, but in times of drought and bushfires we understand it is needed more by people struggling to keep their farming businesses running. Given the overwhelming response from this initiative in previous years, we will continue to donate and support locally,” he said.
“We are encouraging anyone with livestock in the Gladstone Region who is needing feed to register an expression of interest with us. The bales will be fairly allocated based on the interest received and people’s need.”
Those interested in seeking some of the donated bales need to email QAL at [email protected] by Wednesday 6 December 2023 to be sent further information. People collecting must arrange their own transport with load covering on one of two Saturday collection dates, 9 and 16 December 2023.