Approximately 85 per cent of public submissions received by the NSW government are in support of Coal and Allied’s Mount Thorley Warkworth mine extension application, according to the NSW Minerals Council.
“The overwhelming number of positive submissions in support of Coal and Allied’s Mount Thorley Warkworth planning application reflects the strong level of support for mining in the Hunter,” NSW Minerals Council CEO, Stephen Galilee said today.
“Following the six week public exhibition period, 1,891 submissions received or 85 per cent are in support of the Mount Thorley Warkworth project, near Singleton, compared to 352 objections, ” Mr Galilee said.
“Importantly, around 90 per cent of positive submissions are from the Hunter region, demonstrating strong local support for the project and the jobs it provides.
“This strong community response reflects the sustained support that mining receives in the Upper Hunter, with previous ReachTel polling in the region consistently finding support for mining at around 70 per cent or more.”
“At a time when too many Hunter miners have recently lost their jobs, it’s absolutely critical that the NSW Government throw its support behind the 1300 miners whose jobs depend upon this project.”
“This project has been operating for over thirty years and is an economic pillar of the region that drives significant local economic activity. In 2013, the mine spent $76 million with more than 130 local suppliers in Singleton alone, as well as generating jobs and economic activity right across the Hunter region,” Mr Galilee said.
“Failure to approve this project will send an economic shock wave across the Hunter Valley that will be felt by thousands of local workers and hundreds of local businesses supplying this mine.”
“It’s a real test for the NSW Government. Are they serious about protecting jobs and making NSW a good place to invest? Or will they stand by and watch thousands of jobs go?” Mr Galilee said.
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