The  Associa+on  of  Mining  Rela+on  Councils  

To  be  the  peak  body  in  NSW  empowering    and  resourcing  local  councils  and  their  communi+es  to  address  the  challenges  and  opportuni+es  created  by  mining.  

Through  collabora+on,  advocacy,  resource  development,  strategic  ini+a+ves,  communica+on,  partnership  and  support  to  build  member  value,  to  strengthen  local  capacity  and  to  generate  voice  on  mining  related  issues.  

To  assist  in  the  development  of  partnerships,  advocacy,  support  and  resources  so  that  stakeholders  are  empowered  to  protect  the  interests  of  their  communi+es.  

 The  Associa+on  of  Mining  Related  Councils  (AMRC)  represents  23  local  government  councils  in  NSW....  

Bland Shire Council, Blayney Shire Council, Broken Hill City Council, Campbelltown City Council, Cabonne Shire Council, Cessnock City Council, Cobar Shire Council, Gunnedah Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Council, Lithgow City Council, Liverpool Plains Shire Council, Mid-Western Regional Council, Narrabri Shire Council, Narromine Shire Council, Newcastle City Council, Orange City Council, Parkes Shire Council, Singleton Council, Upper Hunter Shire Council, Warrumbungle Shire Council, Wentworth Shire Council, Wollondilly Shire Council and Wollongong City Council.

Organisa(onal  Structure    The  Associa+on’s  mission  is  to  advocate  on  behalf  of  members  and  their  communi+es  on  mining  related  issues  and  to  ensure  that  mining  ac+vity  is  conducted  in  accordance  with  the  principles  of  Ecologically  Sustainable  Development.  

AMRC  cri(cal  outputs  will  include  but  not  be  limited  to  the  following  subject  areas:  

•  Learning  from  the  Past:    Best  Prac+ce  in  community  and  government  response  to  the  influx  of  mining  into  new  regions  /  the  cri+cal  up  scaling  of  mining  ac+vity  

•  Iden+fying  and  implemen+ng  Best  Prac+ce  in  Community  Engagement  and  Consulta+on  

•  Managing  the  social,  community  and  economic  cumula+ve  impacts  of  mining  including  but  not  limited  to  impacts  on  housing,  health  and  community  services,  compe++on  for  labour,  co-­‐existence  with  agricultural  and  air  quality.  

•  Addressing  the  complexi+es  and  possibili+es  of  the  roles  and  responsibili+es  of  each  level  of  government  in  the  assessment  of  development  applica+ons  –  the  complexi+es,  overlaps  and  resource  implica+ons.  

•  Looking  to  the  Future:    Building  a  Posi+ve  Path  for  Regional  Communi+es  in  the  years  aVer  Mining  

The  Associa(on  of  Mining  Related  Councils    is  not  an(-­‐mining  

The AMRC is a body of Councils united by the impact that mining has, and is having. Working together, Councils can learn from each other and influence policy.

AMRC members have recognised a need to unite to achieve a better deal for their communities – to see greater benefits from mining operations flow back into the LGAs where they exist and impact on local resources, infrastructure and services.

•  The  Associa+on  has  developed  a  Coal  Seam  Gas  (CSG)  policy  to  represent  an  overall  posi+on,  while  recognising  individual  council’s  values  and  priori+es  

•  Voluntary  Planning  Agreements  (between  mining  companies  and  councils)  exist  in  NSW  and  are  being  scru+nised  by  the  Associa+on,  with  a  policy  framework  being  developed  to  reflect  member  council’s  views.    

•  Some  infrastructure  cost  burdens  in  regional  NSW  have  been  mining  related.  A  sustainable  revenue  source  is  needed,  other  than  general  Local  Government  rates.  

•  The  NSW  Government  has  introduced  its  own  scheme,  known  as  “Resources  for  Regions”.  Grant  alloca+ons  to  some  mining  affected  councils.  The  Associa+on  has  monitored  the  evolu+on  of  this  program,  with  the  AMRC  CEO  serving  as  a  “Resources  for  Regions”  panel  member.  The  Associa+on  is  s+ll  not  sa+sfied  and  believes  that  all  member  councils  deserve  to  be  included  under  the  criteria.  

•  Some  councils  have  implemented  specific  mining  rates  on  associated  developments  in  their  area.  In  some  cases,  the  introduc+on  of  this,  has  been  done  with  the  coopera+on  of  the  mining  company.  

Current    Issues  

Ge^ng  the  message  out  

•  It is important to maintain and raise awareness of these issues.

•  Using a public relations company has bolstered the Association’s professional profile.

•  A growing media profile has contributed to the organisation’s ability to make a difference for AMRC members.

•  Locally relevant media release distribution. - delegates promote the issues in their areas.

•  A regularly updated website: h_p://www.miningrelatedcouncils.asn.au  

THANK  YOU