The NSW Premier, Mike Baird, and his Planning Minister, Rob Stokes, are arriving in the Upper Hunter on Tuesday to meet representatives from the thoroughbred and mining industries.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
They will also talk to residents in Bulga.
The AngloAmerican-owned Drayton Mine is the first port of call for the ministerial delegation.
Mr Baird and Mr Stokes will then move on to Woodlands Stud near Denman where further talks will be held.
After lunch a meeting will be held at Rio Tinto’s Mount Thorley Warkworth operation.
Rio Tinto’s Mount Thorley Warkworth operation, which employs more than 1000 staff and contractors, was the location for the first meeting after lunch.
A spokesperson for Rio Tinto said the Premier asked to come to Mount Thorley Warkworth to listen to the workforce.
The final meeting involves members of the Bulga Millbrodale Progress Association in Bulga.
The Hunter Valley News contacted Nationals MP for the Upper Hunter, Michael Johnsen, who confirmed he will be joining Mr Baird and Mr Stokes.
Shortly after the March 28 election Mr Johnsen said he wanted a diversification roundtable between the thoroughbred and mining industries.
He said he believes a buffer zone is needed for horse breeders, but added he wants the two industries to find common ground.
“Having the opportunity to have the Premier and the Planning Minister in the Upper Hunter highlights the importance of making sure that our industries can co-exist.
“I’m keen to have the Premier and Planning Minister see for themselves the importance of all industries as well as the protection of towns and villages to assist in getting the balance right,” Mr Johnsen said.