Evolution Mining is calling on the community to put forward ideas for Shared Value Projects that will deliver long-term community benefits.
An outline of the initiative was presented to Forbes Shire Council and the Forbes Business Chamber to start a conversation about potential projects. Shared Value Projects are community led initiatives that will continue to benefit the community beyond the life of the mine.
Whilst Evolution may provide funds, skills or equipment to help establish a project, it’s important that any initiative is self-sustaining and not reliant on the mine for ongoing support.
A successful project could take between 1 and 5 years to implement, and must deliver a broad community benefit, rather than only benefiting a small interest group.
A single pool of funds is available across Evolution’s seven operations (approximately $1M/fiscal year but may vary). Money will be granted to projects that deliver the best outcomes for the community and must be based on the community’s needs, not “wants/wish list”. The initiative will operate
in addition to sponsorships and donations (Cowal Partnering Program).
The program has already delivered successful outcomes at Evolution’s Mt Carlton operation through their partnership with Gudjuda Aboriginal Reference Group in Home Hill, QLD. The Shared Value Project to establish a market garden and native plant nursery has created new Indigenous jobs, enabled Gudjuda to deliver new training programs, and generates much needed revenue to grow their training arm. The native plant nursery will also give Evolution access to a local supplier for its regeneration projects.
For more information about Shared Value Projects contact the Cowal Community Relations Department on (02) 6975 3454.