The Illawarra’s mining industry has delivered a billion dollar boost to the regional economy, reinforcing its role as one of the area’s major economic drivers.
New figures from the NSW Minerals Council show mining companies injected $1 billion locally in the last financial year – the fourth highest result since the survey began in 2012.
The spending supported more than 2,270 jobs across the Illawarra, an increase of 180 positions on the previous year, while almost $800 million flowed to nearly 500 local businesses supplying goods and services to the sector.
The survey found $226 million was paid in wages and salaries, with mining activity now accounting for almost eight per cent of the Illawarra’s gross regional product.
NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee says the figures highlight mining’s ongoing importance to the region’s economic health.
“Mining operations in the Illawarra have delivered another billion dollars into the local economy, supporting over 2,200 local jobs and nearly 500 local businesses,” he said.
Galilee says the industry continues to provide a strong foundation for the region, and with the right policy settings, that contribution could continue well into the future.
