Mid-Western Regional Council Mayor Des Kennedy says approval of Stage Two of the Moolarben Coal Project will have important implications for regional development and investment, locally and across the state.
“It will provide significant local employment and business opportunities, and contribute to the economic growth and productivity of NSW,” Cr Kennedy said.
“The construction of Stage Two will stimulate additional regional production and consumption of $260 million, providing a total benefit to the region of $584 million and directly employing up to 220 construction workers.
“When combined with Stage One of the project, Moolarben Coal will invest $525 million in infrastructure in the local economy over a six-year period and employ up to 439 full time staff in its operations.
“A further 184 full-time positions will be indirectly generated through increased production and consumption.”
‘THE LOCAL ECONOMY HAS BEEN ANTICIPATING THIS PROJECT AND FACTORING IT INTO PLANS FOR THE FUTURE.’
Cr Kennedy said the assessment process for this project was very lengthy and demonstrated the significant consideration given to the project by the Minister for Planning and the NSW State Government.
“Environmental and Aboriginal heritage implications were addressed in a report by the NSW Planning Assessment Commission.
“I am very pleased with the outcome and know residents of our region also recognise the value that this will deliver.”
Cr Kennedy said in real terms, this announcement provides certainty and confidence in the continued growth of the Mid-Western Region.
“The local economy has been anticipating this project and factoring it into plans for the future.
“The official approval provides businesses with certainty to implement strategies and plans for the next stage of growth.
“We’ll see further strength in the labour market and certainty provided to other related projects, particularly those aligned to the growth and economic opportunities that a development of this size brings to the region.”
Cr Kennedy said there had been some speculation about the current strength of the local mining industry given national trends.
“I’m very glad to see this announcement as further evidence of the strength of our local industry, despite plateaus in the growth of coal mining elsewhere in the country,” he said.
Source: Mudgee Guardian, 4 Feb 2015
Link: http://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/story/2858495/moolarben-to-inject-525m-into-economy/?cs=1485
