12 March 2015

New England Land Use Facts

The NSW Minerals Council has launched a public information campaign highlighting the land use facts for the New England North West region.

Our public information campaign is about informing the community that all industries are able to co-exist in the New England region,” NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said today.

Mining has a very small footprint in the New England region, accounting for less than 0.1% of land, while agriculture accounts for more than 72% of the region’s land.

“The New England region is a big place, and with a co-operative approach there is room for everyone. Attempts to whip up anger against one industry are not in the best interests of the region, and overlook the hundreds of local people working in mining every day,” Mr Galilee said.

“All land used for mining will be rehabilitated when mining is complete, and importantly, despite the claims of some, no mining is occurring or planned for the black soil plains on the Liverpool Plains,” Mr Galilee said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRepYqtz9Ng&feature=youtu.be

Similarly in relation to water use, in the high quality, high yielding aquifers in the region, around 80% of the water rights are held for irrigation, followed by stock and domestic use, town water supply, and finally industrial and mining use with around 1% of rights. Mines have to be licensed for any water they take from the system, just like any other user.

“Mining has played an important role in the region for generations and will continue to do so. It provides many hundreds of local job – over 350 miners live in Gunnedah alone. Mining also has helped protect the economies of local communities in the region, especially during difficult times of drought,” Mr Galilee said.

In the last financial year alone, local mines spent $213 million on wages, salaries and business purchases in the region, providing over 700 local jobs and supporting over 500 local businesses.

More information can be found at landusefacts.com.au

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