The NSW Opposition is calling for real action to allow the McPhillamys gold mine to go ahead, after it was revealed the Minister for Natural Resources has done little more than write a letter.
In a Budget Estimates hearing today, Minister Houssos admitted she has not even visited the proposed mine site near Blayney or held a meeting with Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek who halted the project.
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said the Minns Labor Government needs to show what tangible steps it is taking to resolve the issue.
“We’ve heard a lot of talk from the Premier and his Ministers on how much this project means, but it hasn’t translated into any real action so far,” Mr Saunders said.
“We know losing the mine will cost hundreds of potential jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in royalties, so it’s concerning to hear the Minister has dropped the ball.”
“We need the Minns Labor Government to take immediate action to stand up for our country communities who will feel the biggest impact of this move.”
The Minister also failed to reaffirm the Premier’s commitment to expedite a solution, instead putting the responsibility back on the mine company.
Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said continued inaction will hurt the region.
“What we have seen today is that the NSW Labor Government is all talk and won’t even pick up the phone to Canberra to fight for the needs of the Central West,” Mr Farraway said.
“Residents and businesses in the region will be the biggest losers in this situation and right now they are at a complete loss over why this has happened.
“They deserve more support from this Government, and they deserve to know that the Premier and his Ministers are doing everything they possibly can to turn this situation around and provide a pathway forward.”
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