Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos today hosted a Central West roundtable meeting in Lithgow, providing an opportunity for local stakeholders to discuss the region's core priorities, including future employment and economic opportunities.
The Central West roundtable follows a successful event in the Hunter in August. It is an important step as the NSW Government establishes authorities in the Central West, Hunter, Illawarra, and North West.
Local leaders, representatives of mining companies, unions and industry groups discussed ways to create jobs and investment, re-skill workers and advance economic diversification in the Central West region.
The Minns Labor Government has committed $5.2 million over four years to establish local authorities. They will work with the Commonwealth Government’s Net Zero Authority to support workers, industries and NSW coal mining communities.
Further Roundtable discussions will be held in North West and the Illawarra in early 2024.
Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:
“These roundtables are a great opportunity to consult with workers, the community and industry about how to tailor the local authorities for the Central West.
“The Minns Labor Government committed to making sure that coal-producing communities, like those in the Central West, are supported to find new opportunities.
“We’re working closely with local stakeholders to identify ways we can help workers and their families prepare for a strong and prosperous future.
“Our future productivity will rely on the workforce planning and economic diversification we do now. The best way we can support coal producing regions like the Central West into the future is to get the right structures in place.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring we get this right, and that only comes from listening to the workers, the industry, and communities.
“The coal sector as we know it in NSW is changing. As part of this consultation I have heard a wide range of views from local stakeholders as to how we can best support new economic opportunities and new industries in the Central West region.”
