Mount Thorley Warkworth recommended for approval

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The livelihoods of 1,300 Upper Hunter workers and their families are significantly closer to being secured, following today’s Planning Assessment Commission’s decision to recommend Rio Tinto Coal & Allied’s Mount Thorley Warkworth continuation project be approved.

 

“Today, 1,300 workers at Mount Thorley Warkworth and their families are relieved to know that their economic future is a step closer to being secured for years to come,” NSW Minerals Council CEO, Stephen Galilee said today.

 

“Today’s decision by the PAC is great news for the mine employees and also for the ongoing economic stability of the the Upper Hunter. In 2014, Mount Thorley Warkworth spent $188 million with more than 270 suppliers in the Upper Hunter region.”

 

“Hundreds of Upper Hunter residents employed by the local businesses who supply Mount Thorley Warkworth, will also now breathe a sigh of relief that their jobs are also looking more secure,” he said.

 

The Mount Thorley Warkworth continuation has strong support from the local community, as most people understand its importance to the economic strength of the Upper Hunter.

 

“Following the six week public exhibition period for the project, 1,891 submissions received of which 85 per cent were supportive, ” Mr Galilee said.

 

“Importantly, around 90 per cent of these supportive submissions were from the Hunter region, demonstrating strong local support for this project and the jobs it provides.”

 

Contact​: Brad Emery