THE Upper Hunter community has a generally negative perception of the coalmining industry, despite recognising it as an economic lifeline for the region.
The stark assessment is a key finding from a NSW Minerals Council stakeholder survey that will form the basis of the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue community consultation process.
Ninety-three stakeholder groups participated in the survey, conducted by the Australian Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility.
Participants were asked several broad questions including what changes they have seen as a result of coalmining, the benefits they have experienced, their concerns and what changes they feel need to be made to the industry.
Dust and air quality, water use and effects, public health and agricultural land impacts were the most common environment, health and safety issues raised.
An analysis of the findings concludes long-term commitment is required from the mining industry to improve its relationship with the community and to address the cumulative effects of its activities.
‘‘While it is clear that significant differences of opinion exist on what the issues are and how they should be addressed, co-operation among the mining industry and with the community will be critical moving forward,’’ the report says.
NSW Minerals Council chief executive Nikki Williams acknowledged the survey findings would challenge the industry.
‘‘While individual companies are managing environmental impacts and working with their local communities, the feedback from this survey shows that we have much more to do,’’ Dr Williams said.
‘‘These results show that there are clearly areas of difference, but we hope the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue will be an avenue for constructive discussion between all of the stakeholders with an interest in the general well-being of the community.’’
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