THERE is no surprise that there is a negative perception about the Hunter’s coal mining industry as found in the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue Report conducted by the Australian Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility and commissioned by the NSW Minerals Council.
The pages of this newspaper have carried in report, letters and opinion and at times strong disaffection with that industry.
But the report holds a promise on three levels.
The first is that of simple communication. A mechanism through which the grievances and aggravations of people can be made is valuable.
That value is increased if the dialogue is a basis for response by the industry. Simple neighbourly conducted and a commitment to be open and complete in communication could see many complaints dealt with thoroughly and swiftly.
Finally,resources such as those promised by the new State Government can be directed to programs with a capacity to help overcome problems, especially health problems.
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