Photo caption: Nationals candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey, Shadow Minister for Resources Senator Susan McDonald and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton pictured at Whitehaven Coal’s Maules Creek Mine.
The mining and resources industries in the Parkes electorate will be supported by a future Coalition Government to ensure they can continue to grow and provide important local jobs into the future.
That’s the message delivered by Shadow Minister for Resources, Senator Susan McDonald, during a visit to Gunnedah today.
The Senator joined Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton and The Nationals candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey for a tour of Whitehaven Coal’s Maules Creek Mine and Manildra Group’s Gunnedah Flour Mill, in addition to meeting with various local mining, agricultural and business stakeholders.
Mr Coulton said it’s fantastic to have Senator McDonald spend time in Gunnedah to see the important role the region plays in Australia’s coal and agricultural production.
“The Parkes electorate is a powerhouse in the mining, resources and agricultural sectors, punching well above its weight when it comes to supporting our nation’s prosperity,” Mr Coulton said.
“Gunnedah is one of the most productive areas of Australia. It’s a great example of a community underpinned by both the mining and agricultural industries, producing food, fibre and coal not only for Australia but other nations around the world.
“Maules Creek produces some of the highest quality high energy thermal coal in Australia. It’s low in sulphur and low in ash and is largely exported to Japan which uses it to power its low-emissions coal-fired power stations. The mine is also one of Gunnedah shire’s biggest employers, so it’s vital that we support it to continue providing work for locals to keep the local economy strong.
“It was also great to tour the Manildra flour mill which produces durum semolina that is exported globally and used to make premium pasta. The Gunnedah mill is an impressive operation and another important business not only for Gunnedah but the wider region.
“Thanks to Senator McDonald for taking the time to visit these businesses and meet with local stakeholders to gain a greater understanding of the scale and scope and complexity of what goes on in this area.”
Senator McDonald said people employed in the Gunnedah region’s resources and agriculture sectors were being severely impacted by cost-of-living pressures caused by an Albanese Labor Government that was focused on activism rather than sensible governing.
“People employed in those industries face daily struggles combined with an uncertain future because of Anthony Albanese’s higher taxes, his broken power bill promise and his attacks on mining and farming,” she said.
“Extracting resources and growing food are the most important things we can do in this country but this is being held back by Labor’s complex environmental laws, a crazy rush to renewables, out-of-control spending, high taxes and funding green groups to conduct lawfare in the courts.
“I want to assure the people of Gunnedah and all of Australia who rely on jobs in mining and agriculture that the Peter Dutton-led Coalition is on your side. We have what it takes to govern, to wind back the policies that are threatening your livelihoods and to get Australia back on track.
“The Nationals candidate for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey, is the person we need in Canberra to help deliver Peter Dutton and David Littleproud’s vision for a brighter and cheaper future.”
Mr Chaffey welcomed the Senator to his hometown of Gunnedah and said her visit was a great opportunity to show the potential future Minister for Resources just how important mining and agriculture are for the local economy and employment.
“Gunnedah is my home, so I understand how important it is to have strong industries to keep our regional communities thriving,” Mr Chaffey said.
“The Nationals will always back the industries that support our regions.
“The mining and resources sector will play an important role in the Coalition’s plan to get Australia back on track. A future Coalition Government plans to accelerate approvals for mining projects and cut red and green tape, which will provide greater job certainty for communities like Gunnedah.
“The success of many communities in the Parkes electorate comes down to our ability to attract and retain people in our towns and that’s my main focus as the candidate for Parkes.”