NSW Minerals Council welcomes improvements to ‘Resources for Regions’

The NSW Minerals Council has welcomed the NSW Government’s overhaul of the Resources for Regions programme that provides funding for regional mining communities.

The changes to the Resources for Regions program announced today are a welcome improvement on what has been an important funding programme for mining communities,” NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said today.

“Mining communities across NSW will welcome these improvements on the previous system of allocating funds for the Resources for Regions programme.  While the programme has delivered over $295 million in vital infrastructure funding since 2012, we have been calling for a review of the funding and eligibility criteria for some time,” Mr Galilee said.

“The NSW Government’s commitment to provide a guaranteed $50m a year for mining communities in addition to other funding programmes is a very important and welcome step.”

“The guaranteed allocation of $1 million to 24 eligible mining-related Local Government Areas (LGAs) will also provide much needed certainty and is very positive given the variations in funding allocations that occurred in previous rounds under the old guidelines.”

“The methodology adopted for allocation of the remaining $26m in funds is also probably the most workable way to ensure transparency and consistency.”

“Mining is an essential industry for NSW, particularly as we begin the slow economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic. The sector provides around 40,000 direct jobs and supports tens of thousands more jobs in around 7000 mining supplier businesses across the state.”

“We will continue to work with the NSW Government and mining-related Councils to ensure these funds are provided for projects that improve quality of life for mining communities.”

Callum Fountain