NSW Mining welcomes Federal Coalition’s promise to cut green & red tape

The Federal Coalition’s promise to cut $1 billion a year in green and red tape has been welcomed by the NSW Minerals Council as a positive step forward in fostering greater investment and job creation in NSW and across Australia.

“NSW Mining welcomes any move to cut green and red tape and establishing a more efficient approval processes for important projects, including vital mining projects, that bring jobs, investment and economic strength to NSW,” NSW Minerals Council CEO, Stephen Galilee said today.

“NSW $20 billion a year mining industry needs planning certainty in order to maintain investment in projects and the jobs this brings.  The mining industry fully expects thorough assessment of mining projects, however unnecessary delays can put future jobs and investment at risk,” Mr Galilee said.

“It’s encouraging therefore, that the Federal Coalition has committed to establishing a one-stop-shop for environmental approvals and undertaking an audit of all environmental legislation and regulation at state and federal levels.“

“We are also encouraged by plans to create a dedicated unit within each department and agency at a federal level with the aim of cutting red and green tape.”

“Up until the end of last year, the Federal Government had agreed to a similar proposal with the states through COAG.  This new policy proposal by the Federal Coalition is an opportunity for a bi-partisan approach to streamlining project approvals and cutting green and red tape in the state and national interest,” Mr Galilee said.

Contact: Lindsay Hermes I 

lhermes@nswmining.com.au

 I 0409 758 734