An independent Hunter authority is needed to coordinate the economic, social and environmental challenges associated with the region's clean energy transition, a regional delegation has told the state's political powerbrokers.
The delegation, which includes environment and business groups, farmers and power station workers met with a cross section of political representatives in Sydney on Tuesday and Wednesday.
It came as Deputy Premier Paul Toole introduced an amendment to the 1992 Mining Act to state Parliament on Tuesday evening.
The amendment, which will be debated next week, will pave the way for the creation of a $25 million Royalities for Rejuvenation fund which will assist mining-affected communities undergoing energy transition. The government has also announced the creation of an expert panel to advise on how the fund should be distributed.
In addition, the Hunter delegation is also lobbying for an amendment to create a Hunter authority, which would be able to respond to specific regional and community needs as they arise.
Read the full article published in the Newcastle Herald 24th March 2022