The New South Wales Government has announced it will provide $13 million on a cost-recovery basis for improved compliance measures to support the uptake of best practice regulatory regimes for the mining and gas industries in the state.

 

A new administrative levy will apply to the resources sector to expand Government enforcement functions, as well as assessment, approvals and communication capabilities.

 

Resources Minister Chris Hartcher said the administrative levy would be an annual charge equivalent to one per cent of the rehabilitation security deposit provided by titleholders across the State.

 

“The NSW Government’s commitment to the mining industry recognises the key role mineral and gas exploration and extraction will play in rebuilding the NSW economy,” Mr Hartcher said. 

 

“There is a large and growing discrepancy between the funding available for regulatory activities and the expanding mining and gas industries. This will continue to grow as exploration activity increases.

 

“The new levy will mean the Government is better placed to meet community demands for information, facilitate greater understanding of the resources sector as well as carry out regulatory activities.”