Voices of the Upper Hunter: community insights on regional priorities and challenges

The Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue (UHMD) serves as a vital and unique forum within the Upper Hunter region, bringing together a broad spectrum of stakeholders—including representatives from the mining industry, local government, businesses, and the community. This inclusive platform fosters open discussions and facilitates feedback on the impacts of mining, creating a collaborative space to address key concerns and priorities raised by the community. The 2024 Community Forum, held in Singleton, provided a platform for over 120 stakeholders to discuss regional challenges and priorities, with a strong focus on economic transition, environmental sustainability, and social resilience. This report summarises the outcomes from that dialogue, and proposes a strategic roadmap for the UHMD and regional stakeholders, focusing on two core workstreams: a joint fact-finding initiative and a program of projects and advocacy for regional stakeholders to pilot projects on post-mining land rehabilitation, community energy initiatives, and vocational training.