Minister for Natural Resources in North West region for roundtable

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos met with community members, First Nations representatives and businesses during a visit to the North West last week.

More than 20 stakeholders from mining companies, unions, energy producers, industry groups, manufacturers and education partners joined Ms Houssos in Gunnedah to discuss the establishment of the North West Future Jobs and Investment Authority.

The NSW government has committed to establish local authorities in coal-producing regions to support workers, communities and industry into the future as the local economy becomes less reliant on the coal industry.

It was a valuable opportunity for local stakeholders to discuss the region’s core priorities, including future employment and economic opportunities, as well as post-mine land use and the role coal will continue to play in the region for several decades to come.

While in the region, Ms Houssos met with landholders and community leaders to discuss gas exploration and production in the region and representatives of the Gomeroi people. Ms Houssos also toured Santos’ exploration sites near Narrabri and met with Santos representatives.

Ms Houssos said the regional roundtable was a great opportunity to consult with workers, the community and industry about how to tailor the role of the Future Jobs and Investment Authorities for the North West.

“We know North West NSW has a strong mining industry and will have for many years to come,” Ms Houssos said.

“Adapting to emerging and changing industries will take time and that’s why we are starting the work with the Future Jobs and Investment Authorities now.

“The NSW Labor government is committed to making sure that coal-producing regions, like the North West, are supported to find new opportunities.

“We’re working closely with local stakeholders to identify ways we can help workers and their families prepare for a strong and prosperous future. We only have one chance to get the framework right to support workers and communities. The feedback from these conversations will provide important input as we create it.”

Ms Houssos said future productivity will rely on the workforce planning and economic diversification that can be achieved now.

“The best way we can support coal-producing regions like the North West into the future is to get the right supports in place,” she said.

“The NSW Labor government is committed to ensuring we get this right, and that only comes from listening to the workers, the industry, and communities.

“The coal sector as we know it in NSW is changing. As part of this consultation I have heard a wide range of views from local stakeholders as to how we can best support new economic opportunities and new industries in the North West.

“While visiting the North West region I have taken the opportunity to meet with landholders from the Liverpool Plains and Narrabri, the Gomeroi people and Santos to discuss gas exploration in the region.”