Regional communities will benefit from $107.7 million from the NSW Nationals in the state government invested as part of the Legacy Mines program in the 2021-22 Budget to remediate historic and abandoned mine sites.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell made the announcement at the recently rehabilitated Mount Thorley/Warkworth Mine in Singleton.
Mr Barilaro said mining continues to drive prosperity in NSW and remedying legacy mine projects of the past while developing the mining projects of tomorrow will accelerate economic growth, support jobs, and ensure mining communities remain great places to live and work.
“Regional communities were built on the back of mining projects, but these legacy mines were operating at a different time, well before the procedures and requirements we have today for managing chemical use and rehabilitation were put in place,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This significant funding boost will allow major remediation works to be completed across ten years at abandoned mine sites, primarily in locations where production ceased between 50 and 100 years ago – in places like Captains Flat and sites in the Central West and Northern Tablelands.
“Intensive remediation at these locations will increase safety, reduce impacts to the environment, and reinvigorate land for other possible uses, such as for community parklands, to create tourist attractions, or accommodate select business operations.”
Mr Layzell said while remediation works have been completed at many sites over the years through the Legacy Mines program, the additional funding will make a real difference to communities in proximity to higher risk legacy mines.
“As someone who comes from an electorate built on mining at a time when we’re fortunate to have safeguards in place to protect people and the environment, I know this will help people feel more confident about living and working around legacy mines,” Mr Layzell said.
“Many people who live in these communities will know about the long and proud local mining history in their town, but I know confirmation of further work to rehabilitate land will provide greater certainty about their wellbeing, the value of their land, and the future of the region they love.”
For further information about Legacy Mines program, visit: www.resourcesandgeoscience.nsw.gov.au
