Labor will provide a Statement of Reasons this week into its decision to scrap the Blayney Gold Mine tailings dam, following pressure in parliament from The Nationals.
Nationals Leader David Littleproud said despite Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek promising a Statement of Reasons more than a month ago, mining company Regis Resources still hasn’t been given any answers.
“The $1 billion mine would have provided 800 regional jobs, but the Minister’s Section 10 decision has put a stop to the mine and, with it, the future of Blayney,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Labor’s cancellation of the Blayney tailings dam, which, in turn, cancels the Blayney Gold Mine, is a devastating blow to Blayney and the Central West.”
Mr Littleproud said the Blayney Gold Mine will go ahead under a future Nationals Government.
Following pressure from Mr Littleproud during Question Time, Minister Plibersek said the Statement of Reasons should be with Regis “very shortly, this week certainly.”
Nationals’ candidate for Calare, Sam Farraway, said the sooner the community was given answers, the better.
“Regis Resources jumped through every hoop possible to get the mine approved and consulted with 13 registered Aboriginal parties to understand and address, if necessary, the cultural significance of the site,” Mr Farraway said.
“Minister Plibersek still hasn’t shown the courage to front up to the people of the Central Tablelands to explain her decision. We need the mine to go ahead, not just for the potential of 800 jobs for Blayney, but also to ensure there is investment confidence in the Central West.”
