The Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue’s Joint Environment Working Group and Joint Social and Economic Development Working Group met this week.

Both working groups received a joint presentation from ServeGate and Umwelt on a process to leave positive post-mining economic and social legacies for First Nations and wider communities.

The Joint Economic and Social Development Working Group also received a presentation on the Whitehaven Coal Housing Strategy.

The Joint Economic and Social Development Working Group received updates from Singleton and Muswellbrook Councils on their key Economic and Social Development initiatives, alongside Muswellbrook Business Chamber’s overview of their recent business breakfast and upcoming business awards. Other issues such as economic diversification and housing affordability and availability challenges were also discussed.

The Joint Environment Working Group discussed upcoming environmental projects, including the development of the latest Air Quality Analysis update and the annual rehabilitation reporting project.

Following the success of the Pasture Restoration Field Day in October last year, members were supportive of further field days focusing on alternative post mining land uses, air quality and water stewardship.

Both working Groups also proposed potential topics and presentations for the 2024 Community Forum scheduled for October, and will progress planning for the Forum when they meet again in June.