THE Singleton Business Leaders Luncheon highlighted an interesting statistic last Thursday – one which should be noted by the commercial sector.
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It stressed that 46 per cent of people working in the mining industry did not reside in the Singleton Local Government Area (LGA).
That’s a frightening figure. But, it’s a similar story at neighbouring Muswellbrook too.
Both regions are prolific mining territories with the likes of BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Coal & Allied and Anglo American overseeing sites.
Yet, the wealth of those companies does not flow on to the host towns.
Too often we hear employees are happy to work here – and take the money and run; however fail to support the local community.
Singleton boasts a vibrant shopping precinct, which is slated to get even
better in the coming years, but retailers are struggling financially.
Now is the time for those businessmen and women to think outside the box –
and plan for a future that doesn’t rely on the mining industry.