Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos met with community members, First Nations representatives, businesses and unions this week during a visit to the Liverpool Plains.
More than 20 stakeholders from mining companies, unions, energy producers, industry groups, manufacturers and education partners joined Minister Houssos to discuss the establishment of the North West Future Jobs and Investment Authority in Gunnedah today. The NSW Labor Government 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.
“This roundtable is 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,” Minister Houssos said.
The NSW Labor Government has committed $5.2 million over four years to establish these local authorities. They will work with the Commonwealth Government’s Net Zero Authority to support workers, industries and NSW coal mining communities.
“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.”
“We’re working closely with local stakeholders to identify ways we can help workers and their families prepare for a strong and prosperous future.”
The Future Jobs and Investment Authorities roundtable follows successful events in the Hunter and Central West in 2023, and the Illawarra in March 2024.
While in the region, Minister Houssos also met with landholders and community leaders to discuss gas exploration and production in the region and representatives of the Gomeroi people, and toured Santos’ exploration sites near Narrabri.
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