Whitehaven reiterates commitment to Narrabri following legal counsel comments

Whitehaven Coal has reiterated its commitment to the Narrabri community after its legal counsel described the town as ‘not a nice place to live’.

The comment was made in the Federal Court as the company challenges a Fair Work Commission decision which would force the mining giant as well as Ulan Coal and Peabody Energy to engage in multi-employer bargaining with its workers. According to documents listed by the court, Whitehaven and the two other companies are engaged in legal disputes with the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia in relation to the matter.

Legal counsel representing Whitehaven Coal was contesting the decision, arguing that conditions varied across the companies’ various operations.

While putting the case forward, counsel described Narrabri as “not a desirable place of residence”.

Narrabri Shire mayor Darrell Tiemens addressed the matter on local radio, describing the comments as legal argy-bargy. Cr Tiemens has also highlighted the company’s investment in the community. Narrabri Chamber of Commerce president Russell Stewart expressed similar sentiment and has addressed the matter with Whitehaven’s chief executive officer and managing director Paul Flynn.

Following the comments in court, Whitehaven was quick to respond and said the company is committed to investing in and supporting Narrabri for the long term, and consider it a great place for workers, families, and businesses.

“The Narrabri region is an important part of Whitehaven’s operations and a valued community where many of our employees live and work,” the company said in a statement supplied to The Courier.

“The legal representative’s comments in court were made in the context of broader submissions about the difficulties in attracting and retaining talent at Narrabri Mine due to its remoteness when compared to the availability of alternative underground job opportunities at mines that are closer to more densely populated metropolitan and coastal areas.

“These factors contribute to Whitehaven often paying a premium to its Narrabri employees relative to other underground mine operators, and the broader Narrabri economy is a significant beneficiary of this investment in our workforce.”

The company said it also recognises the importance of developing local capability and a local workforce, and it has demonstrated a strong track record of investment and commitment to achieving this.

“We have been successfully operating in the Narrabri LGA for nearly two decades and Whitehaven is proud of the significant contribution we have made to the local community throughout that time.

“We remain focused on working closely with local stakeholders to continue to make Narrabri an attractive place for workers and their families. Through local employment, investment, and community partnerships, we are committed to supporting Narrabri’s ongoing growth and prosperity.”