The Shires Association of NSW held meetings across rural councils throughout the State to identify key issues for the year ahead.

Mayor of Singleton Sue Moore and Councillor John Martin attended the division D meeting in Scone on Tuesday where a number of mining issues were raised.

“Gloucester is starting to see an increase in mining interest in their area and are wanting to see PM1 particles measured,” Cr Moore said.

Shires Association president Cr Bruce Miller said an actual industry standard should be put in place.

“With community health at stake, we should be considering Australian standards for testing for PM1 and PM2.5 particles,” he said.

“Testing can determine the source of any dust particle material, the mineral type and the specific origin, if there is more than one mine in the area.”

The issue of mine exploration was also raised with Cr Miller saying the association would press the State Government to protect local NSW communities and environment from mining exploration and extraction in the same way that they have protected regional forests.

“This would, in effect, make parts of NSW ‘of limits' to the mining industry, which would afford a lot of protection to the health and lifestyle of the people living there,” Cr Miller said.

“The health and lifestyle of our people; our environment; and our agricultural and tourism industries all deserve protection and consideration.”

Shires representatives will now discuss the issues at the upcoming Shires Conference in July.