Muswellbrook Council backs Hunter Valley Operations continuation, citing economic risks

Newy 87.8 FM – Muswellbrook Shire Council has reaffirmed its strong support for the continuation of Hunter Valley Operations (HVO), warning that ending major mining operations early before replacement industries and jobs are established would have significant consequences for the Hunter economy.

Council believes the HVO Continuation Project should be determined on the merits of the application before the Independent Planning Commission.

Mayor of Muswellbrook Shire Jeff Drayton said the region was actively preparing for a more diverse economic future, but the pace of new investment needs to accelerate.

"We must be realistic about where we are today. The investment is not happening quickly enough for major existing industries to be brought to an early end without significant consequences for workers, families, businesses and the broader regional economy," Mayor Drayton said.

He said governments needed to match expectations for economic diversification with action, including removing barriers to investment, fast-tracking enabling infrastructure and approvals, and providing genuine incentives for new industries to establish in mining communities.

Mayor Drayton warned that once skilled workers and business capability were lost from the region, rebuilding them would be extremely difficult.

"An orderly economic transition cannot be achieved simply by nominating an earlier closure date. It requires a coordinated approach that gives our region the time and investment needed to build a strong and sustainable economic future," he said.

Council said it is actively pursuing new investment while continuing to support the industries that currently underpin the local economy.

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