Mining policy good for regional development and investor confidence in NSW

Changes to the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) on mining are good for regional development and an important step in restoring investor confidence in the State’s $24 billion mining industry.

“Many towns and communities across NSW rely on mining for the jobs and investment it brings to their local economy,” NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said today.

“Together with other industries like agriculture and tourism, mining is a key pillar of the NSW regional economy and it needs to be supported.”

“The changes announced today are a sensible small step to restore investor confidence in NSW, helping to attract the investment and jobs that sustain regional NSW.”

Mining brings significant economic benefits to the whole of NSW.  Analysis by the NSW Minerals Council showed that mining companies spent $12.8 billion in NSW in 2012-13 including on wages for their workers, purchases with over 10,500 supplier businesses, and community contributions. 

Mr Galilee welcomed the more consistent application of the government’s existing assessment criteria for air quality, noise, blasting, and aquifer interference through the SEPP amendments.  “The environmental criteria outlined in the SEPP are consistent with existing rigorous NSW Government policy standards and should provide the community and miners with more certainty,” he said.

“These changes are welcome but more needs to be done to encourage investment, not only in mining, but across all business sectors,” Mr Galilee said

“The NSW planning system is the State’s biggest roadblock to investment. After over two and a half years of review, the details of the new planning system must be settled quickly to deliver much-needed certainty.” 

Contact:

Chris Rath 02 9274 1419 or 0409 758 734  crath@nswmining.com.au