According to the national accounts, Western Australia has recorded a growth rate of 13.6% over the last 12 months, Queensland has recorded a growth rate of 7.8%, while NSW has grown by 2.1% over the same period.

NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said the figures showed what could be achieved by stronger support for the responsible development of mining in NSW.

“The national account figures show that WA and Queensland are reaping the benefits of supporting their local mining industry, while NSW is missing out,” Galilee said.

“Mining activity drives economic opportunity across many other sectors of the economy and coal is the state’s biggest export. If the NSW economy is to grow, mining must be supported by sound policies that foster responsible development of our valuable mineral resources.

“It is in the public interest to ensure the benefits are maximised to drive investment, growth and jobs here in NSW, as well as delivering royalties for the NSW government.

Galilee said the NSW government had an opportunity in the state budget to deliver significant practical support to NSW mining regions.

“Infrastructure investment in our mining regions, funding for exploration, and certainty around royalties must be priorities. It is critical that government investment in public infrastructure and services in mining regions keeps pace with growth,” he said.

“The NSW mining industry has for a long time played an important role in providing much needed regional infrastructure and services through developer contributions and voluntary planning agreements. Mining industry contributions to community infrastructure in NSW have been estimated by ACIL Tasman to be around $109 million annually.

“It is important that the NSW government’s second budget recognises the contribution mining communities are making to the state economy and budget by providing real funding for essential infrastructure and services in our mining regions.

“Mining in NSW is a vibrant and growing industry worth $20 billion, generating an increasing revenue stream for the state through our royalty returns; a total of around $8.5 billion over the next four years. Mining is also generating thousands of new jobs across the Hunter, Illawarra, Central West and New England North West regions.

“Supporting the responsible development of mining in our state will grow and diversify our state economy, deliver more jobs and royalties, and underpin regional development across NSW.”