Community groups from across the Hunter will join the NSW Nationals in the state government in deciding how to use the Royalties for Rejuvenation Fund.
Deputy Premier and Mining Minister John Barilaro said he would bring together Hunter community leaders to determine how best to maximise Royalties for Rejuvenation funding.
The aim is to ensure the government protects jobs and industries, supports communities, and identifies the opportunities that can be built off the back of the mining legacy for decades to come.
“Coal mining has a strong future in NSW but we need to ensure stability in the long-term and that is why we established the Royalties for Rejuvenation Fund which will see a minimum of $25 million set aside each year to ensure we plan for opportunities down the line in mining towns,” Mr Barilaro said.
“It makes no sense for government to tell these communities how and what the future should look like – it is communities and their leaders that are best placed to do that – and the NSW Nationals in the state government are here to listen and deliver on those community expectations.
“We will work with mining communities to establish the Hunter Expert Panel and ensure it is given the independence it needs to design the terms of reference, policy, direction and guidelines for investments from the Royalties for Rejuvenation Fund.
“In the coming months we will be reaching out to Unions, Joint Organisations of Councils, Industry Peak Bodies and Community Advocacy Groups that are prepared to join the Government in its vision of the Royalties for Rejuvenation Fund.”
