The decision inevitably creates a period of great uncertainty for over 10,000 coal and steel workers, including many more indirect local jobs which rely on and have supported the coal and steel industry in the region for decades.
 
The South 32 Dendrobium coal mine plays an important role in supplying high-quality metallurgical coal for the efficient production of steel by Bluescope Steel at Port Kembla.
 
This decision by the IPC now has serious implications for thousands of workers and local businesses, given the importance of South 32 to the Illawarra’s manufacturing supply chain.
 
I urge the Illawarra community to remain calm as we all face the challenge of resolving the issues which arise from this surprising decision by the IPC.