Arrow Energy announce Zhengxin Peng as new chief executive, new leave policy
Arrow Energy has welcomed a new chief executive and adopted a new leave arrangement, in an effort from the energy giant to give back to the community.
Business
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A major employer in the Western Downs and Maranao regions has started the new year with some big internal changes, with Arrow Energy welcoming a new chief executive and ushering in leave arrangements for staff to give back to the community.
The new chief executive, Zhengxin Peng, replaced their previous chief executive, Godson Njoku, after less than a year in the role, while the new leave arrangement offers regional Arrow energy employees up to five days paid leave per year to volunteer with local fire and emergency services.
Arrow Energy is a joint venture between Shell and PetroChina, which means that the company’s chief executive changes often to distribute time in the top job evenly between both companies.
Mr Peng said the new leave arrangement, which was introduced in December, aimed to empower employees in the region to volunteer for local emergency services in the wake of devastating fires in the area last year.
“Last year, the Surat Basin community faced some devastating bushfires,” Mr Peng said.
“Tragically many homes, properties, environments and livelihoods were lost. But the toll would have been far greater if not for the efforts of volunteers in the Rural Fire Service and the State Emergency Service.
“I’m humbled to say several of those volunteers were Arrow team members. They worked tirelessly to support the firefighting efforts to protect the properties and lives of others.
“As a major employer in the region, we have a responsibility to give back to the local community. Our new leave arrangement will allow these brave individuals to take up to five paid days per year to help respond to bushfires and other emergencies in the region.
“We hope this takes some of the pressure off these staff and encourages other members of our regional workforce to volunteer their time and stand on the frontline protecting local lives and homes.”
Arrow energy employee Sandy Davidson said the new leave arrangement was a great way for the company to give back to the region.
“I’ve lived in Dalby my whole life, and working with QFES is one of the best ways I can give back to the community,” Ms Davidson said.
The energy company’s operation in the region has not been without controversy. Arrow was fined $1m in 2022, for drilling deviated gas wells under the land of unconsenting farmers.
However over the 27-year project, the company could generate up to 1000 jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
Mr Peng said while he acknowledges that some local farmers strongly oppose gas development projects, the project will benefit the economy.
“We accept that a few people hold strong views on gas development, but we’ll continue to engage with them and keep open the line of communication,” Mr Peng said.
“At the end of the day, the project we’ve proposed will benefit the region by supporting local employment and business while helping to ease the pressure on gas supply by powering up to 4 million Australian homes.”
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