06 January 2012
Media Statement - Rio Tinto Coal Australia provides flexible commute for Sunshine Coast-based workforce
A return flight service from Maroochydore to Clermont will be introduced from next week to cater for the small number of Rio Tinto Coal Australia's existing Clermont Mine workforce who live on the Sunshine Coast and have previously been commuting via Brisbane.
The 36 seat Dash-8 service will operate two return trips each week.
Rio Tinto Coal Australia is committed to ensuring the health and safety of its workforce and has introduced this service to provide a more convenient and shorter commute to site for existing Sunshine Coast-based workers.
Rio Tinto Coal Australia's recruitment strategy supports local employment wherever possible. We have a track record of minimising our fly-in fly-out workforce, and the majority of our permanent employees live in the communities either around our operations or within driving distance.
Since Clermont Mine became operational in April 2010 we have been working with our permanent workforce to increase the number of our workers who live in the local community.
Currently the majority of Clermont Mine's 600-strong workforce lives within the local region. A number of initiatives such as affordable accommodation have seen the level of local residency rise steadily since the mine opened, and we look forward to continuing this work.
Rio Tinto Coal Australia is also continuing to work with the local Isaac Regional Council on accommodation strategies through the Clermont Preferred Futures strategy including the 'build, buy or rent' programme. As part of this programme Rio Tinto Coal Australia has committed to supporting private developers to build 100 new homes in Clermont of which 50 will be available for our employees to rent, and 50 available for purchase by employees or the broader Clermont community.
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
Graham Witherspoon - 0467 811 860