IN the wake of the Planning Assessment Commission’s (PAC) decision to reject the Drayton South open cut coal mine, union officials are calling on Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen to intervene.
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CFMEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy District president Peter Jordan told Fairfax Media Upper Hunter on Friday night that he had sent off an email letter to the local member regarding a delegation to see Premier Mike Baird.
“We’re really disappointed by what transpired today,” he said.
“Not only for the 500 Anglo American employees, but also their families, many of whom reside in Muswellbrook and Singleton.
“The effect of this decision will be heavy, especially on the Muswellbrook community, and the businesses that rely on the industry.”
Mr Jordan said it was now time for Mr Johnsen to “step in”.
“Given the devastating impact that today’s PAC refusal to grant an extension to the Drayton mine will have on the Upper Hunter communities, I am calling on you as the state MP to convene a delegation of affected stakeholders to confront the NSW Premier to act and secure the future of the Drayton mine,” he said.
“This delegation should be genuinely representative of our Upper Hunter community and include Drayton mineworkers and management along with local business, community and union representatives.
“This united front can show the Premier the breadth of community opposition to the economic and social damage this refusal will inflict on your constituents.
“Michael, this is a time for more than talk.
“It is time to act and mobilise the community to engage directly with the Baird government of which you are a part.
“Together we need to demonstrate the degree of our concerns about job losses and the harm it means to our families, local businesses and the welfare of our communities.”
