September 24, 2012
Media Release

Future of Spring Creek and Huntly East now in Government’s hands

The EPMU says Solid Energy’s announcement of devastating job cuts at Spring Creek and Huntly East will be felt terribly by local communities, but the final decision about the future of the mines and their communities still rests with the Government.

The union says the fight to save the mines is not over yet, as miners from Spring Creek and Huntly East make their way to Parliament to meet State Owned Enterprises Minister Tony Ryall tomorrow in a plea for Government support for their mines and their communities.

EPMU assistant national secretary Ged O’Connell says the final decision over the future of Spring Creek and Huntly East has yet to be made.

“Solid Energy’s announcement will be taken very hard by the communities of Greymouth and Huntly, but the final decision now lies with the Government.

“Spring Creek is a viable mine, and under the plan we’ve developed together with the company we are seeking an investment of $35 million from the Government to save the mine and the community it supports.

“We will also be making the case for Government investment in the Huntly East ventilation project, without which the mine is almost certain to close within two years at the cost of hundreds more jobs.

“But this is about more than jobs, it’s about providing a future for the people of Greymouth and Huntly. For the Government to stand by and abandon these mining communities would be simply unconscionable.

“The fight for these jobs and these communities isn’t over yet, and from the amazing community rally in Greymouth several weeks ago to the community donations that are rolling in, we believe public support is firmly on our side.”

The Spring Creek and Huntly East miners will arrive at Parliament at midday tomorrow, where they will meet State Owned Enterprises Minister Tony Ryall.

ENDS

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