Speaking after the release of independent research that found more than 64% of the 551 Singleton residents who took part in a regional survey supported the continuation of mining at Mount Thorley Warkworth, Salisbury said the results demonstrated that the local community supported the mine, with the jobs and economic benefits it provided.

“People living in the region believe there will be real impacts for the Hunter Valley unless government approvals are granted so Mount Thorley Warkworth can continue providing jobs and creating work for other businesses,” he said.

“Last year the mine spent more than $180 million with local businesses across the four Local Government Areas where the poll was undertaken.”

The research showed two-thirds of people were very concerned about recent job losses in the Hunter Valley mining industry.

“We need urgent approval to secure a long term future for this mine, its workers, and the community,” he said.

The same survey found that more than 91 percent of people in Singleton believe that coal mining is important to the prosperity of the Hunter region.

Support for the mining industry remains high, with 73% supportive.

A ReachTel survey of 2206 residents across Singleton, Maitland, Cessnock and Muswellbrook LGAs found the majority expected that a failure to grant approvals to Mount Thorley Warkworth would have a negative impact on the local economy.

Rio Tinto subsidiary Coal & Allied is seeking approvals to continue operating Mount Thorley Warkworth mine until approximately 2035.