Metropolitan Colliery forms Community Reference Group

Metropolitan Colliery is currently in the process of forming a Community Reference Group, which will provide a forum for open discussion between representatives of the mine and the Helensburgh community.

The Group will discuss issues relating to the mine’s operations, environmental performance and community relations.

Metropolitan Colliery General Manager, Neville McAlary said the aim of the Group was to keep the community informed about the mine’s operations and build on the existing relationship between the community and the mine.

“Metropolitan Colliery is the oldest operating coal mine in Australia, giving Helensburgh a rich coal mining heritage,” he said.

“The Community Reference Group will provide a vehicle for us to work together towards outcomes of benefit to the mine, our immediate neighbours and the local and regional community.”

The mine is seeking expressions of interest from Helensburgh residents to participate in the Community Reference Group, which will initially meet monthly and thereafter every second month. The Community Reference Group will be chaired by an independent chairperson, Ms Margaret MacDonald-Hill, who has a large amount of experience in community consultation across the State.

“We are aiming to have a cross section of the community represented at the meetings, where mine representatives will present information on the mine’s operations, seek community feedback and discuss any concerns,” Neville said.

“We are looking forward to developing a closer relationship with the local community through the establishment of the Group.”

Membership of the Community Reference Group is limited and interested residents are invited to submit an Expression of Interest Form outlining their contact details as well as their relevant area of community involvement.

Forms can be obtained by phoning (02) 4294 7237, and must be submitted by 9 May.