Forbes Shire Council has signed a voluntary planning agreement that will see CleanTeQ invest $100,000 a year into the community.
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Clean TeQ Holdings Limited on Thursday signed a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with the Shire Councils of Lachlan, Forbes and Parkes.
Under the VPA, Clean TeQ will fund local initiatives totalling over A$18 million over the first 21 years of the Clean TeQ Sunrise Project.
Thursday’s signing triggers an initial $400,000 investment – $100,000 of that to Forbes.
Upon Clean TeQ making a formal decision to proceed with construction of the mine, further community enhancement contributions will be made each year in support of community and infrastructure enhancements at the discretion of the Councils.
Clean TeQ will also contribute approximately A$340,000 each year to fund maintenance of the road network it will use, with an additional investment to upgrade various roads and intersections.
The Fifield mine will create up to 1300 jobs during construction and 300 in operations.
Clean TeQ CEO Sam Riggall and Project and Start-Up Director Tim Kindred attended the signing, along with Lachlan Shire Mayor Cr John Medcalf, Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith OAM and Forbes Shire Council Mayor Cr Phyllis Miller OAM.
“Clean TeQ Sunrise will generate significant opportunities for local communities through the creation of jobs, generating investment and flow-on spending across the region,” Mr Riggall said.
“Clean TeQ will also benefit from the use of some existing public infrastructure.
“Through the VPA we can contribute to the cost of maintaining these public facilities and see our communities grow.
“I’d like to thank the Councils for their support of the Clean TeQ Sunrise Project, as demonstrated through their commitment to the VPA.
“As Clean TeQ Sunrise progresses closer to construction we are looking forward to having more of our people living and working in the region.”
Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said Council was pleased to partner with CleanTeQ and neighbouring councils “in this unique project”.
“The VPA will provide an opportunity for Forbes Shire Council to implement unique community enhancement projects over the lifespan of the mine,” she said.
Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith OAM said the funds would be invested in the Trundle community, with the next round allocated to the community of Tullamore and to investigate childcare needs across the Shire.
Additional provisions are made for the road network.
