BHP Mt Arthur Coal has joined forces with Chandler MacLeod to help alleviate some of the financial burden and hardship plaguing local famers. 

BHP and Chandler Macleod have devised a unique program which will offer supplementary employment for local drought affected farmers. They are seeking applications from Upper Hunter Farmers with a strong agricultural background and who have operated various types of machinery within a farming environment to undertake a role as a Haul Truck Operator in Muswellbrook NSW.

Courtney Rawson, Lead Contract Coordinator, Production Projects at BHP Mt Arthur says she is all too aware of the pressures facing local farmers.

“We have many employees who have left jobs on the land because of the impacts of the drought and the long last impacts upon them and their families are truly devastating,” said Courtney.

“We’ve had some applications for the program already, with applicants mentioning that an opportunity like this would allow them to continue to feed the few stock they still have,” she said.

The positions will allow the benefits of three different roster patterns to provide flexibility to working farmers and their families, allowing farmers to return home on days off while providing an extra income. 

“The program will provide 6 – 12 weeks paid training on site to gain both Mechanical and Electric Haul Truck skills. We would then give applicants the opportunity to remain on site as a casual Haul Truck Operator once their training is completed,” said Courtney.