By GARY FRY
THE Association of Mining Related Councils (AMRC) showcased its recent activities and new strategic directions at the recent annual Local Government NSW Conference.
According to Chair, Col Mitchell from Wollondilly Shire, the group emerged with renewed strength, with three councils from different regions of NSW, expressing strong interest in joining the collective in the new year.
“The Local Government NSW Conference was a chance for prospective member councils to meet with myself and the Association’s CEO, Don Tydd (from Armidale) and look at how they could benefit from joining,” Cr Mitchell said.
“The AMRC is the lead agency in NSW, representing the interests of local government areas dealing with mining related impacts, which will increasingly include Coal Seam Gas. That was reinforced at the conference.”
Mr Tydd said that the Association fulfils a clear need.
“There are various important environmental and community issues surrounding all forms of mining,” he said.
“Addressing them now and in years to come requires productive communication, including constructive engagement with the mining sector, individual operations and government bodies.”
While the Association addresses the negatives, Mr Tydd emphasised that some communities have come to accept mining as a positive contributor.
“Mining does bring a diversity and robustness to regional economies. Agriculture in the western areas particularly has faced major challenges, from protracted drought to commodity price fluctuations,” he said.
“In many cases, mining has been integral in the survival of remote communities.”
One area where the AMRC is working on better outcomes for mining-related councils is rates and where government policies need to change.
“Mining operations are currently included in the cap. Mining comes and goes, with major consequences for councils and ratepayers,” Mr Tydd said.
“If or where Coal Seam Gas goes ahead, a production orientated rating system will need to be created.
“CSG sites are small and the AMRC has identified a need to go beyond property size and value for rate determination. We’re making representations to the State Government regarding these issues.”
“It’s important that local communities do benefit from mining, including CSG if it occurs. Companies should pay their fair share.
“New CSG policies will be tabled by the State Government within the next four months. We’ve been assured that the Association’s input will be taken on board in the policy development process.”
The Association was established in 1978. It currently comprises 22 councils, from Wollongong to the Hunter, the Central West, west to Cobar and Broken Hill and North West to Gunnedah and Narrabri.
Together, they represent 19 percent of the land in NSW and 11.4 percent of the population. The councils contribute significantly to the State’s economy and the Government revenue, through mining royalties.
