Support Sought for Return of Mining Royalties to Local Communities
Published on 01 October 2025
Bland Shire Council seeks Support for Return of Mining Royalties to Local Communities
Bland Shire Council is calling on the NSW Government to return a fair share of mining royalties to the communities that host mining operations.
Council has submitted a strongly worded motion to the Annual Conference of Local Government NSW (LGNSW) in November, seeking support from other councils for a dedicated funding program to replace the now defunct Resources for Regions scheme.
Mayor of Bland Shire, Brian Monaghan, said previous attempts at advocacy had overlooked regions like Bland.
“The Royalties for Rejuvenation Fund directs up to $25 million annually to coal mining areas only,” Mayor Monaghan said.
“Bland Shire’s motion seeks a funding program that benefits all mining communities. Royalties should be distributed equitably, transparently and sustainably to support economic diversity, local infrastructure, services and jobs, not just those linked to coal.”
The motion calls for Local Government NSW to advocate for a new program, funded directly from a proportion of the mining royalties collected by the State, which would:
• Provide a fair and transparent mechanism for returning mining revenue to host communities,
• Support investment in essential infrastructure, services and environmental management, and
• Recognise the contribution of all mining-affected councils to the State’s economy.
Mayor Monaghan said the figures make the case clear.
“Since 2019, the NSW Government has received more than $16 billion in mining royalties, with over $2.5 billion of that from non-coal mining communities such as Bland Shire,” he said. “Of the $250 million in royalties that has been paid to the State Government, the Bland Shire community has only received $10.5 million back from the now defunct Resources for Regions program.”
“With more than 2,100 exploration titles currently active across NSW, future revenue will only grow. Allocating even one percent of royalties, around $28 million a year, would make a meaningful difference to all mining communities, not just coal.”
Council’s motion has the unanimous support of its Councillors and will be debated at the LGNSW Annual Conference from 23–25 November 2025.