Members of the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue’s Joint Economic and Social Development and Joint Environment Working Groups met in Singleton this week to discuss the latest Dialogue projects and activities and learn more about the progress achieved in 2023 so far.

The meetings provided an opportunity for members to share feedback on a recent review of Stakeholder Engagement and Communications. The review will assist the Dialogue in identifying new opportunities to improve community engagement and the reach of the Dialogue’s communications across the Upper Hunter.

Deb Barwick and Malcolm Smith of the NSW indigenous Chamber of Commerce presented to the Joint Economic and Social Development Working Group on the Chamber’s range of procurement and other business services that assist Aboriginal businesses both within the region and across NSW. Representatives of various Chambers and Councils across the region also provided updates on key economic and social development-focused programs and activities.

The Joint Environment Working Group members discussed preliminary 2022 results for the annual water use and rehabilitation progress reporting projects which will be finalised and published shortly, as well as new Upper Hunter air quality data analysis. Members also provided additional feedback for the Dialogue’s consideration as October’s Pasture Restoration Field Day nears.