Infrastructure investments in coal mining communities would complement the millions of dollars resources companies have been injecting into the Hunter Valley, the New England North West, the Illawarra and the Central West, NSW Minerals Council chief executive Stephen Galilee said.

“For some time, NSW mining has been calling for targeted public infrastructure development to support our growing mining regions,” he said.

“The State Infrastructure Strategy is a positive step forward in addressing the challenges of growth facing many mining communities in NSW.”

Galilee said it was important that road infrastructure in and around mining communities was upgraded to meet the challenge of increased population.

“An important feature of the NSW mining industry is that the vast majority of our workforce live and work in their local community,” he said.

“We welcome Infrastructure NSW’s recommendation for the government to work with local authorities to develop and implement a targeted program of local, regional and state road pinch point upgrades designed to move larger vehicles away from townships.

“To ensure regional mining communities remain an attractive place to live and work, it is critical that government investment in public infrastructure and services in mining regions keeps pace with growth.”