Hume Coal has renewed its commitment to support the Highlands community through its Charitable Foundation and Apprenticeship Program as the process of determination of the Project application is made by Government.
Following the closure of the public exhibition for the underground mine’s Environmental Impact Statement, Project Director Greig Duncan thanked Highlands residents for their submissions and said Hume Coal will consider each and every issue raised and provide a comprehensive response.
Mr Duncan said Hume Coal’s commitment to community support and communication hadn’t wavered.
“We’ll continue to support the Southern Highlands community while the project is determined. The Hume Coal Charitable Foundation is calling for applications for the first round of funding for 2017, closing 30 July, with special focus on education, indigenous programmes and pre-school child care.
“Locals can also apply at any time during the year for an apprenticeship or traineeship position through the Hume Coal apprenticeship programme, which supports the placement of apprentices and trainees in local businesses to boost economic growth.”
Mr Duncan added that the company had been heartened by the continued support for the project, especially those who attended a number of information sessions on working with the company, both as employees and local businesses looking to supply goods and services.
If approved the Hume Coal mine will create over 300 long-term, well paid, full-time jobs generating over AUS$600-million in wages and salaries across the life of the mine.