BY ISABEL EVERETT
Hunter coal towns will share in $50 million worth of funding generated by mining royalties, under an overhaul of the 'Resources for Regions' program.
The Deputy Premier, John Barilaro visited Singleton on Wednesday, announcing each eligible council will receive a base amount of $1 million, and a further $26 million be distributed to the LGA'S most impacted by the mining industry.
Eligible Hunter councils include Broken Hill, Newcastle, Cessnock, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Singleton and the Upper Hunter.
Singleton topped the list and will receive $4.51 million dollars this year.
Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore says the LGA was the top contributor of
mining royalties to the NSW Treasury, with an average $340 million in mining
royalties sent to Macquarie Street every year.
“Reforms to the Resources for Regions funding program
have been at the top of our advocacy agenda for some time, and I have been
working to take advantage of any opportunity to meet with the Deputy Premier to
raise this issue,” she said.
General Manager Jason Linnane said he was especially
happy to see that funding could be used for community programs and projects,
and not just infrastructure.
“It means that we can work with our community to
implement a range of projects which will promote even greater relationships
between the State Government, Council and community organisations to help us
respond to the economic and social impacts of mining.
“Council staff are already working through potential
projects, with a view to having our applications and works ready to go as soon
as possible.”
Deputy
Premier John Barilaro says coal mining
will remain a key industry for some decades to come, generating jobs for
regional communities and royalties that can be used to pay for essential public
services and infrastructure.
“The NSW coal
industry directly employs around 28,600 people and almost 114,000 people
indirectly, and underpins around 80 per cent of the state’s energy supply,” Mr
Barilaro said.
“In the wake
of the worst drought on record, devastating bushfires and the ongoing COVID-19
crisis, the job security, economic growth and prosperity provided by the coal
industry to our State, especially regional communities, has never been
more important .
“At the same time, we are working to reduce emissions in the mining
sector, support responsible coal production, address community concerns and
deliver $50 million worth of new infrastructure projects and community programs
to mining affected towns under the Resources for Regions program.
Member for
Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen said it was about striking the right balance to
give the coal industry and regional communities the time they need to adapt and
diversify their economies as the world transitions to a lower carbon future.
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| Deputy Premier John Barilaro |
