A Tamworth Business Chamber forum had some firsthand detail of the economic impact and, more importantly, the local opportunities that can be mined from the resources sector growth in this region, at the briefing.

The evening included information and presentations from the head of the NSW Minerals Council and Shenhua Watermark and Whitehaven coal executives Paul Jackson and Lance Muir.

And Peter Grant from the Industry Capability Network, which can show businesses how they can access business partnerships, or what they have to do to meet the business criteria to help them develop associations with the resources sector, also attended to provide local detail for businesses.

Tamworth Business Chamber president Tim Coates said about 90 people attended.

“Local businesses valued the opportunity to hear detailed information directly from mine companies that will assist them to participate in the sector,” Mr Coates said.

“The Tamworth region plays an important role as a service hub for the region’s mining operators and is host to a wide range of direct mining service industries like the local construction, transport and engineering sectors.

“The indirect benefits can also be seen through our busy restaurants and cafes, our hotel occupancy rates, and in the returns to retailers in the Tamworth region.

“Creating and continuing strong links to the mining sector is important for our local businesses as it is for the economic future of the Tamworth region.”

Minerals Council chief executive officer Stephen Galilee described it as a valuable information-sharing opportunity.

“I hope the event will result in closer links between local mining companies and local businesses in the Tamworth region,” Mr Galilee said. 

“Mining is worth over $700 million to Tamworth and its neighbouring local government associations in the form of goods, services, community contributions and salaries.

“Mining contributes to the strength of the local economy which is good for the region, good for business and good for the local community, including the families of our mining workers.”

Whitehaven Coal corporate services executive general manager Lance Muir praised the information and networking event as an excellent opportunity for mining operators to engage local businesses.

“I met a range of business representatives and was pleased to be able to provide them with information and advice on potential opportunities to participate in the industry,” Mr Muir said.

“Strengthening existing relationships and developing new networks is very important to Whitehaven Coal as it helps our company develop local partnerships and foster future opportunities. A strong local mining industry contributes to strong regional communities and we want to play a part in the continued economic development of the New England-North West region.”