The Queensland Resources Council has commended a landmark partnership between Rio Tinto and the Old Mapoon Aboriginal Corporation, who are pledging $1.15 million for improved health services in the Far North of the State.
QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the partnership with the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service would deliver Cape York its first CT scanner.
"I'd like to congratulate Rio Tinto and the Old Mapoon Aboriginal Corporation for working with local authorities to install a CT scanner at Weipa and save people from flying to Cairns for these critical medical scans," Mr Macfarlane said.
"This funding partnership will have a long-term benefit to the region and will also fund improvements in other regional health services."
Mr Macfarlane said the investment would be vital for people in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities who health authorities have identified as having a higher risk to COVID-19.
"As the COVID-19 situation evolves here and around the world, it will be critical for our industry – like all Australians – to heed the advice from health authorities and do what we can to slow the spread of the virus."
Across its operations globally Rio Tinto has established a US$25 million support fund to assist communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
