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Lithgow locals encouraged to make their voice for mining heard
The NSW Minerals Council’s
Voice for Mining
initiative will give a greater grassroots voice to those in the local community who support the mining industry, according to NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee.
Mr Galilee issued a call to action in today’s
, encouraging those who felt their views were being shut out to speak out.
Mr Galilee has been in town twice in two weeks, meeting with Council and speaking at an emotional public meeting on Tuesday evening, organised by the Lithgow District Community Forum and attended by many locals upset and angry about the lack of support for their region and the local mining industry from government.
“Around 200 people were in attendance, including the Mayor and councillors, the local business chamber, local union representatives, local miners and their families, local power station representatives and workers, and other people from the Lithgow community,” Mr Galilee said.
“Not everyone agreed, but the overwhelming mood was one of concern about the future of the local coal and power industry, and the implications for local jobs and the town’s future.
“I heard from local small business people worried about shop closures, local mine workers who had lost their jobs or worried they were about to, and mothers angry that children at their local school were showing up without food in their lunchboxes because jobs were being lost.
“There was a lot of frustration and anger from local people who feel that their views are being ignored by the decision-makers in Sydney in favour of the views of those not from Lithgow.
“It is their community, their businesses and jobs, and their views should be heard.”
The
website promoted in today’s
is an online platform for those in Lithgow and throughout NSW who want their views on mining heard.
“Our
Voice for Mining
website allows people to enter their postcodes and quickly and simply send a letter to their local MP and the NSW Premier in support of mining,” Mr Galilee said.
“There are many ways to show your support. It might be writing a letter, sending an email, or simply following
@NSWMC
on Twitter and joining the online conversation at
#NSWMining
.”
“I encourage all those in the Lithgow community who care about their local mining industry to make sure their voices are being heard by those that matter at
.”
Contact
: Lindsay Hermes I lhermes@nswmining.com.au I 0409 758 734