Like the coal loaded on the trains that pass through our town every eight minutes of everyday the mining royalties that come from that commodity head out of town never to return.
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Without wishing to sound like a broken record once again we are calling on the State Government to provide the necessary funding from the Resources for Regions program to support the life and wellbeing of our community.
Singleton is a mine affected community probably the state's most impacted on a social, economic and environmental level.
We also provide $340 million each year to the state's coffers and what do we get back - platitudes and visits from Ministers even the Deputy Premier saying we love what Singleton does for the economy and yes its odd we miss out on funding but next round we think it will be our turn.
Well it hasn't been our turn for two years which is an absolute disgrace.
Deputy Mayor Tony Jarrett said money from this program could be used to make Singleton more liveable and offer a future for its residents that is vibrant and sustainable.
To highlight how coal rules the roost although we are happy to receive two extra train services a day the best outcome would have been three and extra train services to another mining affected community Muswellbrook.
But this cannot happen due to the demand for coal train services on the line.
Mr Jarrett's suggestion to solve this impasse - build more lines and create a world class passenger service for the Upper Hunter.
This would not only create jobs it would make our region more prosperous in the longterm - a vision for the future beyond mining.
Adding insult to injury is the fact Singleton also missed out on receiving any funding from the Federal Government's latest drought package.
So it would appear we are too mining orientated for drought relief and too something or other for mining affected funding.
What a weird world of politics we now inhabit.
In the meantime our communities are facing bushfire emergencies on an unprecedented scale. To volunteer Rural Fire Service members we thank you for your dedication. This week a special thank you to the interstate crews who have come to help us out. Many are staying at the Singleton Army Base - so welcome and thanks.
Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
