Today Judy Hannan MP and Mayor of Wollondilly Matt Gould responded to announcements made regarding the future of Tahmoor Colliery. 

Quotes from Judy Hannan MP:

"I wrote this week to the Premier in concern regarding Simec Coal Tahmoor. Despite the transition away from coal as a power source, coking coal is still required for steel. The mine at Tahmoor is of a rich type of coal and is used for the creation of steel, necessary for building works across Australia.” 

“Having confirmed anonymous reports that the company has been in financial trouble with workers turning up and instructed to not work since December. My concern is for the workers locally that this mine employed well before GFG Alliance purchased the operation.” 

“While GFG Alliance is a private entity, the issue involves the Government as the licenses and operations that are used for the Tahmoor colliery are now at risk due to mismanagement at Whyalla. I understand that if the mine is to go into administration as is now an active concern, that the assets may be sold off for debts of other operations the company administers, including those interstate.”

“I have sought assurance from the Government to ensure a transition to a new company will keep the local workers engaged. I am aware the company has made a statement of intention to stand down workers and have them paid for four weeks and I have requested from the Government assurances that the mining interests will not be used by this company to pay off their poor decisions elsewhere.” 

“Unfortunately this isn’t the first major company to come in risk in NSW and I have sought support for the workers both through workplace relations and mental health. If workers have direct concerns please contact my office and my staff are ready to assist with any issues.” 

“I understand this will cause concern with the community and I look forward to the fast transition to get this back up and running as fast as possible with the support from the Government.” 

Quotes from Mayor of Wollondilly Matt Gould:

“Council has become aware that the private company that owns Simec Coal Tahmoor is in financial trouble, and that most staff at the mine have been sent home for four weeks with pay. Although the local mine is very viable, we understand that broader issues within the company have adversely impacted the Tahmoor operation.” 

“The Tahmoor colliery is a major local employer and our thoughts are with the employees and their families employed both directly and indirectly by the mine who are feeling uncertain about what the future may look like. Our first priority is the people of Wollondilly, and Council is working closely with our local member to ensure we are doing everything we can to make sure those impacted and our broader community are supported at this time.” 

“We are also reassured to hear that the State Government is stepping in to work on resolving this unfortunate situation to ensure the financial sustainability of the mine and to make sure no local jobs are lost and we thank them for taking action to support our community.” 

“Although as a country we are transitioning away from coal as a power source, the Tahmoor mine produces very high quality coking coal which is used for important steel production used in the building industry. We are confident that the Tahmoor Colliery remains a solid operation with a strong future and that we will see it return to full operation.”

Media Contacts:

Judy Hannan MP - benn@judyhannan.com.au or Benn Banasik
0434 832 636

Wollondilly Shire Council - media@wollondilly.nsw.gov.au or Belinda Fleming 02 4677 9715