The annual Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue Community Forum is right around the corner, and this year I have the pleasure of facilitating the event and trying to fill the very big shoes of the former facilitator, Di Sneddon.

First held in 2012, the Community Forum is for everyone. It is an opportunity for stakeholders to get together and hear updates on key Dialogue projects and have their say on issues impacting the region.

It’s also an opportunity for the community to tell the Dialogue what they think are the priority issues in the Upper Hunter, what concerns they have, and how the community, stakeholders and the Dialogue can work together to address them.

This year, the Forum will have a fresh face as I take the reigns as facilitator. Before I do, I thought I would sit down with Di and find out why the Forum is so important to have each year.

“The very first Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue was intriguing. No one really wanted to be there, but there was an underlying understanding that it was necessary,” said Di.

“There was an intense point of conflict between mining operations and the community. That first meeting had four interest groups, those from mining companies, those from government, those vehemently opposed to mining and those perhaps sitting on the fence but interested.

“It was an eye opener.

“We sat through the presentations, but it was the round table sessions that brought everyone together. Some people pointed out what they liked; others pointed out what they didn’t. Then the real discussion about the why began and that’s when the differences were highlighted.

“Mining representatives didn’t understand the concerns of the community from their perspective and offered options for solutions. The community began to understand the restrictions and laws that mines must operate under. Together, through honest discussion, compromise and greater understanding from both sides, and I might say much respect, evolved real conversations about ways to address what confronted all.

“To be honest, I’m grateful the mining industry as a whole, had the guts to be involved in the Dialogue and be part of a constructive conversation.”

This year the forum will again feature a feedback session which Di said is often where some of the most important conversations have taken place.

“Some will always say the conversation is driven by mining companies but the conversation is only driven by the people at the table. Yes, I will admit that sometimes the conversations have been frustrating, and I hate to say, emotional from my perspective, but my opinion has always been listened to and I don’t hold back.”

Di’s opinion is respected by so many as a community member, but she is urging more community members to go to the Forum so they can be a part of some important discussions.

“The mining companies send their delegates and yes, it is part of their job description. I give my time to go as a community voice, but we need more people give their time and go.

“I encourage everyone to sit at the table, have the honest conversation, show compassion and empathy. Only then will we be able to leave a legacy that offers our children a future they can enjoy.”

This year the Forum will feature an update from the Dialogue, an Air Quality 2024 Progress update from Zephyr Environmental, a look at the future prospects for coal mining in the Upper Hunter, an update from the NSW Government and the impacts on the region from the NSW Environment Protection Authority and the Climate Change Policy and Action Plan.

Liz Watts from BHP will present on Mt Arthur Coal’s Pathway to 2030 and with renewables and future technologies a big part of the future conversation. There will be a discussion on Planning for Transition from Roberta Ryan at the Institute for Regional Futures.

I have lived in the Hunter Valley my entire life. I have seen personally how important the coal mining industry is, and from an entire community’s perspective through my various jobs over the years as a journalist at various organisations.

As a journalist, I have interacted with the big businesses behind the mines, local businesses, Councils and the people who live in the communities where mines operate.

It is vital that the people who live in the communities where mines operate have a say and the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue is the perfect opportunity to do that. Not only are fellow community members there, but so are the big businesses, the local businesses, politicians and local Councils.

As Di said, honest conversations must be had, and everyone must be involved.

JESSICA ROUSE

The Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue’s Community Forum is FREE to attend on Tuesday 29 October 2024 at the Singleton Civic Centre. To register and for more details: https://miningdialogue.com.au/engagement/2024-community-forum