The number of unemployed young people on the Southern Highlands and South Coast has reached 22.5%, the highest rate recorded over the past five years.

The results were published by the NSW Parliamentary Library in its February Labor Force Trends report incorporating data from the ABS Labour Force Survey.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Impact Statement and Development Applications for the Hume Coal Project and the Berrima Rail Project, which could create up to 300 local jobs in the area, have been submitted to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

“We're experiencing a push for mining expansion that puts at the risk this very growth in tourism and high value sustainable agricultural opportunities," Markwart said.

"Too many young people in our region are faced with the reality of unemployment and underemployment.

"The health, rural and retail industries form a large component of traditional employment in the Southern Highlands and it is pleasing to see such wonderful growth in the tourist sector.”

Hume Coal said it would be engaging with local secondary and tertiary education institutions to improve career prospects for local people and those expressing employment interest in the project.

It will build skills of local students and apprentices in advance so they will be able to participate in the Hume Coal Project.

Hume Coal’s training and recruitment programs will aim to maximise local employment.

During the peak of operations it is anticipated that about 70% of the workforce will be sourced from the Wingecarribee Shire and immediately adjacent areas, with the remaining skill set relocating to the area for employment.

 

Hume Coal will not be engaging a drive-in, drive-out and fly-in, fly-out workforce.