The Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue (the Dialogue) was established in 2011 following a series of workshops focused on addressing the cumulative impacts of mining in the Upper Hunter.

Much of the feedback received from the community came from a detailed qualitative perceptions research survey, undertaken in 2011 to understand the concerns of local residents and key community participants.

A second survey was undertaken in 2016, in a similar scope, to re-assess these community concerns, and led to a realignment of the Dialogue’s key themes and Working Group structure, given the increasing feedback from our stakeholders to communicate the Dialogue’s outcomes and explore economic and social development issues.

A third survey, undertaken in late-2021 and recently completed in 2022, has once again proven to be a valuable community engagement activity. Survey respondents have shared their feedback on not only how the Dialogue is functioning, but on important issues in the region, including their concerns regarding the future of the Upper Hunter (transition, economic diversification and a lack of strategic planning), as well as key environmental issues such as rehabilitation and air quality.

The Dialogue secretariat greatly appreciates the involvement of our community stakeholder respondents. The feedback received has been valuable in helping the Dialogue understand current community concerns and priorities in the Upper Hunter.

Perceptions Research Summary Report

Please click the link below for a copy of a Summary Report from Stable Research which identifies the key opportunities for the Dialogue to explore as we continue to address cumulative impacts of mining in the Upper Hunter.

Dialogue Review of Opportunities

Also included in the link below is a review of the opportunities identified in the perceptions research report prepared by the Dialogue secretariat which sets out the feedback received, and actions that the Dialogue has done or will look to do in response to this feedback.