Upper Hunter MP Hits Back At Coal Royalty Hike

BY HOLLY FISHLOCK

From July 1 next year, Hunter coal mines will be paying more royalties under a new scheme announced by the state government.

Royalties will increase by 2.6%, a move which has been slammed by Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell. 

While the NSW Government says the 2.6 percent increase will ensure the state receives a fair return for its resources, Mr. Layzell calls the increase an "outrageous lazy effort" to fund future budgets.

Mr. Layzell says the people of Singleton and Muswellbrook have been overlooked, despite providing over 50 percent of the state's annual coal royalty revenue.

"This is the time when we need the best infrastructure in NSW. In many regards, we don't have it up to normal standard. It's about making sure that royalties benefit those areas that earn them," Mr. Layzell said.

Mr. Layzell also reflected on the current scheme, saying it needs to be reworked to benefit areas bringing in significant amounts of revenue.

"The royalty system has been the same for a long time. It certainly needs to be looked at about how that system works for those areas that are actually earning the money," he said.

Upper Hunter Mines Face Snap Nighttime Inspections

BY IAN CROUCH

Environment groups are welcoming night time inspections of Upper Hunter coal mines, although they're questioning the method behind the move.

Planning Department officers will conduct surprise inspections of mines following community complaints about an increase in dust at night.

However the department has taken the unusual step of warning the mine operators ahead of time.

Environmentalists say although it's a bit strange, the move is welcome if it prompts coal companies to do the right thing.

Mining Activity Creates A Dust Haze Over The Upper Hunter. Picture colliemail.com.au