IT was a day to continue the conversation.
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On Wednesday, The Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue hosted an information day in Muswellbrook to give a progress update.
The program began with a breakfast at Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre.
Guest speaker John Richards, managing director and CEO of The Bloomfield Group, shared his journey in the industry and how he came to be in his current position.
“I think it is interesting to reflect on how long the coal industry has been in the valley and how closely connected it is to towns and regions of the Upper Hunter,” he said.
“It has been woven into the everyday life of Upper Hunter citizens for over 150 years.”
Mr Richards also spoke of why the UHMD was initially required, and in what way its efforts have since been successful.
“As a long standing member of the Hunter, and being a company which is proud of its Hunter history, it has been a simple decision for Bloomfield to support the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue,” he said.
“The dialogue was initiated in order to improve understanding between the mining industry and the community.
In 2010, a survey commissioned by the industry spoke with 93 separate groups from the community.
“The results were clear,” Mr Richards said.
“The industry was poorly perceived, the community felt that the cumulative impact of the mining industry was overwhelming them and the poor relationship was not good for the industry.
“Genuine and open dialogue was needed.”
In early 2011, engagement sessions including around 70 participants from the community looked at a range of topics.
The top ten issues were identified and ideas generated on how to address them.
Four working groups – the land management group, the emissions and health group, the water working group, and the community discussion and engagement group – created a list of projects related to the most urgent discussion areas.
Regular UHMD forums have continued to provide feedback with the community and stakeholders.
Mr Richards said he believes the UHMD has seen some significant achievements.
“We have had a collaborative industry approach and this is not be underestimated,” he said.
“People think of the industry as a homogenous mix but of course we are very different companies with different viewpoints and in fact competitors.
“Contributions from the public have been overwhelmingly constructive and have helped guide the projects.”
Other activities followed the breakfast, including Mangoola mine rehabilitation tours, Glencore Bee Pollen Biodiveristy, and a Beneficial Use of Mine Voids workshop.