The NSW Cabinet last week met in Singleton as the government came under growing pressure to give mining project developers in the region greater clarity over mixed land use regulations after complaints by horse stud owners caused Anglo American’s Drayton South coal mine extension project to be knocked back.
Galilee said the NSWMC was pushing for funding for the ongoing infrastructure needs of the Upper Hunter.
“Singleton, Muswellbrook and other towns in the Upper Hunter contribute so much to the NSW economy,” he said.
“We’ve been calling for more funding from the NSW government for the Resources for Region’s program to ensure these regional centres receive the infrastructure investment they need.
“The NSW Government recently provided a one-off funding boost to the program, however, local councils need a more consistent funding model. That’s why on behalf of mining communities, we’re calling on the government to commit at least $60 million per year to the Resources for Regions program.”
Galilee said 4400 local coal miners and their families employees lived in the electorate of Upper Hunter, held by a margin of just 2.2%, so the votes of those mining families would decide who won the seat of Upper Hunter at the next election.
Local mining operations also spend more than $800 million a year on supplies with more than 1600 local supplier businesses in the Upper Hunter electorate underpinning the strength of the local economy.
"Winning the support of mining communities will require policy commitments on infrastructure investment, an efficient planning system that supports responsible mining development, and a reliable and affordable electricity network for households and businesses,” Galilee said.
