The jobs of 1,300 Upper Hunter miners are another step closer to being secured following today’s recommendation by the New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment that mining should be allowed to continue at Mount Thorley Warkworth, subject to stringent environmental conditions.

“Today, the 1,300 workers at Mount Thorley Warkworth and their families have another reason to hope that their economic future may be secured for years to come,” NSW Minerals Council CEO, Stephen Galilee said.

  

“Today’s recommendation by the Department is welcome news for the mine workers, and everyone who relies on the ongoing economic stability of the Upper Hunter.”

“Hundreds of people employed in local businesses that supply Mount Thorley Warkworth will also welcome the recommendation as it means their jobs are also looking more secure. In 2014, Mount Thorley Warkworth spent $188 million with more than 270 suppliers in the region, so it’s critical that this project be allowed to continue,” 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 or 85 per cent were supportive,” Mr Galilee said.

 

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

“Until final approval is given, thousands of jobs still hang in the balance. Ultimately, this is a test for the NSW planning system, and the NSW Government's commitment to local jobs,” Mr Galilee said.