Mining Industry Action Plan needed to help NSW economy

The NSW Minerals Council has called for a Mining Industry Action Plan to be developed in 2014 as part of the NSW Government’s Economic Development Framework. Addressing the 2013 NSW Mining Industry and Suppliers Conference in Sydney, NSW Minerals Council CEO said mining was a strategic industry vital for the growth of the state and should be recognised as such. “The NSW Government has six Industry Action Plans, for professional services, manufacturing, education and research, the visitor economy, the digital economy, and the creative industries. These are all important industries, however given its importance, mining should also have its own Industry Action Plan,” Mr Galilee said.  “This would be recognition of the strategic economic importance of mining for the NSW economy, including for jobs, investment, trade, infrastructure, regional development, and energy supply. It would also link the need for a strong NSW mining industry to the State Government’s own economic objectives,” he said. “The NSW Government has called for feedback on the future of its Industry Action Plan process. Submissions are due this Friday.” “The NSW Minerals Council’s submission seeks a commitment to a NSW Mining Industry Action Plan, in recognition of everything mining has done for this state; what we continue to do, and the enormous potential of what we can deliver for the future.” “It’s time to get serious about delivering the right policy settings for mining in NSW,” Mr Galilee said. The NSW Minerals Council today released the results of a detailed survey of mining and exploration company spending in NSW. The results show that surveyed companies spent over $12.8 billion on goods and services, wages and salaries, local government payments and community contributions in NSW during 2012/13. The research also showed that over 10,500 businesses throughout NSW were directly supported by this spending, including over 3,400 businesses in Sydney. Download the NSW Minerals Council’s submission – Progressing the NSW Economic Development Framework. Contact: Brad Emery bemery@nswmining.com.au or 0450 620 254