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Lord Mayor John Tate sells out Newcastle to a jobs poor future with coal
Tuesday 17 March 2009
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon and Newcastle Greens Councillor Michael Osborne have slammed Newcastle Mayor John Tate's stunt in The Australian today, saying he is selling out future jobs growth for Newcastle by clinging to a bygone era when the coal industry delivered jobs growth for the Hunter.
“It is foolish for John Tate to lump Newcastle in with Mount Isa and
Gladstone as a mining town, when only 3% of the Hunter's employment
comes from the mining industry,” Ms Rhiannon said.
"Employment figures show that Hunter based mining jobs have fallen from
4% in 1996 to only 3% in 2006.
"The coal industry jobs market has been steadily shrinking and has
proven extremely vulnerable to the economic downturn sweeping the
world.
“Newcastle Mayor John Tate should be lobbying Premier Nathan Rees to
invest in Hunter- based renewable energy industries to create long term
local jobs growth.
“The potential for Hunter based jobs in renewable energy and public
transport is massive, and jobs created would last for many decades,
unlike coal mining jobs.
“Multinational mining companies don't consider the future needs of
local communities. They will only operate in the Hunter while the
company is making a profit," said Ms Rhiannon.
Newcastle Greens Councillor Michael Osborne said:
"Newcastle's economic growth is driven by new jobs in retail and
service industries like education, health, tourism and the arts. Our
economy has shifted since BHP closed down.
"Newcastle's future is culture, not coal.
“John Tate should be lobbying for local green jobs in renewable
energy and energy efficiency – jobs that are secure, well-paid and
environmentally friendly.
“Newcastle City Council needs vision for the future and that means
continuing the shift away from mining towards sustainable industries,”
Cllr Osborne said.
Contact:
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - 9230 3551, 0427 861 568
Greens Newcastle Councillor Michael Osborne - 0439 442 984
