Councillor Owen Hasler has been elected to the Executive of the Association of Mining Related Councils at the Annual General Meeting held in Picton and hosted by Wollondilly Shire Council on Friday, 4th November.
Councillor Hasler has been a member of the Executive since 2014 and joins Chairperson Councillor Peter Shinton (Warrumbungle Shire), Vice-Presidents Councillor Lillian Brady (Cobar Shire) and Councillor Chris Connor (Wollongong City Council), and fellow executive members Councillor Hollie Jenkins (Singleton Shire) and Councillor Jim Nolan (Broken Hill City Council).
Councillor Hasler was also returned as the AMRC nominee to the Department of Planning and Environment sponsored Resources Advisory Forum which has been reviewing aspects of the state mining approval processes and community engagement related to proposed mining developments across the state.
"Given the importance of coal mining in our region, I believe that it is important that Gunnedah Shire Council has a strong voice and input into such discussions relating to mining approvals and Government decisions which impact on the industry and our community. Consequently, I am pleased to have received the confidence of my fellow delegates in returning me to both positions as their representative," Councillor Hasler stated.
Much of the discussions at Friday's General Meeting which followed the AGM related to the progress of negotiations about Voluntary Planning Agreements which have been taking place between the association and representatives of the Minerals Council over the past year.
"As a member of the Association's negotiating team I am pleased that the delegates are supportive of the outcomes to date, and they have given us clear instructions as to how to progress further negotiations such that I believe that we should be in a good position to conclude the matter in the first half of 2017," Councillor Hasler explained.
Councillor Hasler was accompanied to Picton by fellow delegate and Deputy Mayor Councillor Gae Swain.
“Councillor Swain and I, and the other delegates, were very appreciative of the excellent tour program, welcome dinner, and business program organised by Wollondilly Shire, and thank Deputy Mayor Robert Khan and fellow Councillors Michael Banasik and Noel Lowry for their council’s hospitality and willingness to exhibit their community for the benefit of the Association’s delegates," Councillor Hasler continued.
“Congratulations should be extended to Councillor Hasler. We’re pleased that Gunnedah will continue to have strong representation with the AMRC,” Acting General Manager Colin Formann said.
Photo: Councillor Owen Hasler (outer right) and Deputy Mayor Councillor Gae Swain (outer left) at Picton.
ENDS
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