The Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue’s Community Forum was held in Singleton on October 29, 2024. Community members, interest groups, government representatives and mining industry employees came together for a day of discussion and planning around the future of the Upper Hunter.

The Forum was facilitated by Jessica Rouse from @ The Coalface and the day commenced with Wonnarua Elder, Uncle Warren Taggart welcoming all attendees to Wonnarua country.

The 2024 Forum focused on key themes such as the regional economic outlook, the future of the local mining industry, post-mining land use and critical environmental impacts such as water stewardship, air quality and rehabilitation progress. 

Attendees received an update on the Dialogue’s key projects and activities and heard from a range of expert speakers. The Hon Emily Suvaal, MLC provided a NSW Government update, including the Inquiry into Post-Mining Land Use. Ms Suvaal discussed her views on the future of the Upper Hunter and the strategic role of the Upper Hunter in transitioning the regional economy in coming years.

Robin Griffin from Wood Mackenzie outlined current trends for coal production globally and the future demand for Upper Hunter coal, considering policy drivers such as energy transition and emissions targets. 

Other key speakers included Shagofta Ali, from the Environment Protection Agency, who provided an overview of the NSW Climate Change Policy with a focus on the impacts and implications for the region. Liz Watts from BHP provided a mining industry perspective on the closure plans for Mt Arthur Coal and outlined the pathway for closure of the site by 2030, including post-mining land use options being considered by BHP.

In small group discussions led by Prof Roberta Ryan from the Institute for Regional Futures, attendees identified and prioritised the major issues for the region as they see them.

The Dialogue has held a Community Forum since 2012 to create an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and hear about the Dialogues key projects, learn more about industry and government policies and projects, as well as voice their views on the impacts of mining in the Upper Hunter region. The Forum is now held on a biennial basis.

The outcomes from the Forum will inform the strategic direction and priorities for the Dialogue in 2025-2026 and assist the Dialogue to contribute to a strong and sustainable future for the region.