Council welcomes inquiry into post-mining land use
Lake Macquarie City Council has welcomed news the State Government will conduct a parliamentary inquiry to investigate new and innovative approaches to post-mining land use.
Mayor Kay Fraser said Council had been at the forefront of advocacy for a better pathway to facilitate adaptive reuse of mining sites to support communities with economies that are transitioning from coal-reliant industries.
“Just last month we turned the sod on construction of the Black Rock Motor Resort in western Lake Macquarie, which will see a rehabilitated former mine site transformed into a major tourist destination, creating new jobs and turbo-charging our visitor economy,” Cr Fraser said.
“But the process to get the project to the starting point took seven years, due to the complexities involved with relinquishment of the mining licence.
“The Black Rock project perfectly highlights both the great opportunity that exists in reusing appropriate former mining and industrial sites for residential and commercial purposes, but also the challenges that need to be overcome to simplify the process for all stakeholders.
“We welcome the NSW Government’s initiative in asking the Standing Committee on State Development to hold an inquiry into this issue and thank the Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos for responding to our advocacy.
“We also appreciate the support of Hunter-based MLC and committee Chair Emily Suvaal, who understands the importance of this issue in catalysing the economic diversification of our region and others that have traditionally relied on mining and related industries.”
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