Hunter-based politician Emily Suvaal has been appointed to lead an inquiry into how communities can benefit from former mine sites once they have passed their use-by dates.
Ms Suvaal, the Chair of the Standing Committee on State Development, said the Upper House probe would examine the benefits of post-mining land use, and would hear submissions from local communities and other interested stakeholders.
“As a Hunter-based MP, I am committed to ensuring our mining communities across the state have a vibrant economic future, with secure, well-paid, local jobs,” Ms Suvaal said.
“The committee is particularly interested in considering opportunities that encourage innovative post-mining land uses .. including the reuse of existing infrastructure, development of clean energy industries, the compatibility of post-mining sites with commercial projects and the potential use of surrounding land for residential dwellings and other amenities.”
She said there were numerous potential uses for former mining sites for local communities, the economy, business, industry and the broader state.
“The committee will consider how the benefits of post-mining land uses are shared between local communities and mine operators and how the NSW Government can facilitate innovative land uses to the community’s benefit,” said Ms Suvaal.
She said possibilities that would be examined include reusing existing infrastructure, the development of clean energy industries, the compatibility of post-mining sites with commercial projects and the potential use of surrounding land for residential dwellings and other amenities.
“Exploring how we can improve the use post-mining land is crucial for the continued success of our rural and regional communities, who have contributed so much to our state’s success,” the minister added.
“I am committed to conducting a robust and thorough inquiry into post-mining land use that will provide a blue print for the economic future of our mining communities.”
Submissions will be accepted until 25 June, 2024. Further information can be found at Beneficial and productive post-mining land use (nsw.gov.au)
