Muswellbrook Shire Council has welcomed the outcomes of the report on Beneficial and Productive Post Mining Land Use which have been formally released by the NSW Government.
The NSW Government established the inquiry into beneficial and productive post mining land use in May 2024 to investigate the merits of multiple successive land uses and the benefits for local communities and the economy.
Led by Emily Suvaal MLC, the inquiry received input and feedback from communities and industry from across the state, with all 13 inquiry recommendations supported in the NSW Government’s response.
Muswellbrook Mayor Jeff Drayton supported the outcomes of the inquiry and welcomed the NSW Government response.
“We appreciate that the NSW Government has listened to the concerns of our community and taken our needs seriously,” Mayor Drayton said.
“The huge amount of work required to be done by local, state and federal governments and industry shouldn’t be underestimated.”
The recommendations of the inquiry clearly identify what needs to be done for Muswellbrook and other communities of the Hunter, to place timeframes on the delivery, and canvass much-needed changes to legislation.
Mayor Drayton urged all levels of government to proceed with urgency for the future of Muswellbrook Shire and Hunter communities.
“Muswellbrook can’t just wait for our mines to close for new uses, new industries, and new jobs to be created in the region. It needs to happen now while the mines are still operating. That’s why we are prioritising working with government and BHP on the Pilot Project where we are identifying land where industry can set up now,” Mayor Drayton said.
“This is not about letting mines off the hook, it is about creating a future for our community. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to provide industry, innovation, and manufacturing capability which will power the nation and create prosperity for future generations. If we can’t get it right in Muswellbrook there’s no chance we can get it right elsewhere.”
