The Association of Mining Related Councils (AMRC) has continued its pre-election appeal to the NSW Government for an indepth mining impact analysis.
Association Chair and Warrumbungle Shire Mayor Peter Shinton said that it is time that Minister for Resources and Energy, the Hon. Anthony Roberts, became genuinely aware of mining impacts upon local communities and stopped being reactionary with regard to mining related policies.
“We have seen the benefits of a holistic inquiry into infrastructure and social impacts that mining has on a community through a study undertaken by the Western Research Institute for Newcrest Mining Limited, Cadia Valley Operations.
“This comprehensive study looked at both mining impacts and the implications for the regional city of Orange and other nearby centres, if the Cadia gold mine was to shut down.
“Just as councils deserve a better return from the mining royalties the State Government receives from their local government areas, councils should also have all the information possible to best manage mining impacts, including the massive adjustments that come with a mine closure.
“Any council would benefit from this level of awareness, particularly when negotiating Voluntary Planning Agreements (VPA’s).
“We need the NSW Government to lay the foundations for local studies, with a comprehensive inquiry across the state,”
Councillor Shinton said mining communities need to keep monitoring their health, strengths, weaknesses and changes that occur in the community and its economy.
“This can be done with a large study like what was done for Cadia but there can also be advantages from regular monitoring on a smaller scale, following solid foundation analysis.”
AMRC Executive member and Gunnedah Mayor, Owen Hasler supported this call for greater assistance by the newly elected State Government to Local Government areas experiencing significant expansion in mining.
“Ongoing engagement with the local business community, service providers, and people involved in the housing sector can also be important in both gauging and informing about mining impacts.
”Regular monitoring and community liaison can help local councils and mining operations to be aware of mining impacts and ensure the best possible means of addressing them are in place.”
Councillor Hasler said that the Cadia study at Orange set an excellent benchmark and applauded the mining operation for commissioning it.
“The benefits of this kind of study are clear.
“We cannot expect such an initiative to be undertaken by all mine operators across NSW and councils do not have the resources – the State Government does and it is time we saw long, as well as short-term mining policy underpinned by real consultation, investigation and analysis.”
