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Opinion: Planning reform needed to protect mining jobs
Originally published in Coalface Magazine
NSW Minerals Council CEO, Stephen Galilee
2014 is shaping up to be another big year for NSW mining.
Parliament was unable to finalise a new Planning system last year, leaving the future of our industry and the jobs of thousands of workers in a state of uncertainty.
Of great concern was the way that Labor and the Shooters Party joined up with the Greens in Parliament to support changes to the planning system that would be highly damaging to mining in NSW.
Debate on the Planning Bill is likely to resume when Parliament returns in February.
It’s vital that supporters of mining in the Hunter get involved in this important discussion.
We need to stand up and make our voices heard. This issue is too important to leave to politicians in Sydney. It’s time to let them know that mining is important to you and your family, and is critical to the future of the Hunter.
We need to send a clear message – pass the Planning Bill and protect our mining jobs.
There’s an easy way to do this. Register at our website
Register your support and we will keep you updated on ways you can help ensure the voice for mining is heard loud and clear.
Together we can make sure 2014 is a year when mining communities are heard, and mining jobs are supported.