This week the candidates for the seat of Upper Hunter have been invited to attend a forum on the future of the Hunter Valley.
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The event organized by the Hunter Communities Network will be held at the Singleton Diggers Club on Wednesday, March 18 starting at 6:30pm.
“The Upper Hunter is at the cross roads economically, socially and environmentally,’ said Hunter Communities Network, spokeswoman, Bev Smiles.
“This forum is giving the community the opportunity to discuss future directions in the context of the NSW election.”
Three presenters have been invited to set the scene for discussion:
Jenny Williams, Senior Research Fellow, Hunter Research Foundation
Overview of the Hunter Economy
Paul Winn, Consultant, Hydrocology Consulting
Land and water ownership in the Hunter
Cr John Martin, OAM, Mayor of Singleton
Jobs and business opportunities
The Upper Hunter candidates have been invited to present their policies on future direction for the region.
They have also been asked to answer the question: “Do you support no go zones for mining in the Hunter?”
‘Mines are closing, cutting production and jobs while the global glut of coal grows and prices continue to fall’, said Ms Smiles. “Meanwhile mine expansion is continuing to threaten communities such as Bulga, Camberwell and Wollar and other important Hunter industries such as thoroughbred horse breeding.
“Hunter Communities Network wishes to hear how political leaders plan to balance a diverse economy and community in the region while repairing the enormous environmental legacy of mining.”