The closure of Tahmoor coal mine has rocked the Wollondilly Shire. But community leaders have vowed to stand by the hundreds of miners expected to be made redundant following the Supreme Court’s determination to wind up SIMEC’s Tahmoor operation.
Liquidators have now been appointed to SIMEC Tahmoor Coal.
Wollondilly Shire Council, state MP Judy Hannan and federal MP Angus Taylor have pledged to do all they can for those affected by the mine’s closure.
While the potential immediate loss of hundreds of jobs, along with the flow-on impact to contractors and supporting industries, will be felt right across the Shire, Mayor Matt Gould said that behind every one of these jobs is a local family, a mortgage, a small business and a future that has suddenly been thrown into even more uncertainty.
“For more than 12 months our community has been forced to live with instability while the mine’s billionaire owner played financial games with an asset that hundreds of families rely on for their livelihood,’’ he said.
“He has now left our community even more in the lurch with significant unpaid debts owed to local businesses, contractors and families together with the NSW Government and Council.
“Our local economy is built on trust and long-standing relationships, and many small businesses who supported the mine in good faith are now facing serious financial consequences through no fault of their own.
“They deserved far better than the uncertainty, disregard and disrespect they have been subjected to.”
Wollondilly Shire Council and the Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan have been preparing for this possibility and have been actively engaging with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, and the Mining and Energy Union to coordinate a NSW Government rapid response approach to support employees and contractors affected by this decision.
“I have sought assurance from the government to ensure a rapid response and transition to a new company that will keep the local workers engaged,’’ Ms Hannan said.
“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 NSW Government.
“I stand firmly beside them and will continue to advocate for support for those affected during this difficult time.
“Our message to the workers, their families, and the businesses impacted is clear; our community is standing beside you.”
Angus Taylor, who is now the leader of the Liberal Party, said the closure of the mine was “a deeply disappointing outcome’’.
“My thoughts are with the workers, their families and the wider community who have endured more than a year of uncertainty.
“I have been in regular communication with the mine general manager throughout this process.
“While many had hoped the mine would enter voluntary administration, it is now critical that the sale process prioritises placing the operation in the hands of capable new management to secure the best possible future for the mine.”