Liquidators have been appointed to SIMEC Tahmoor Coal, sending shockwaves through the Wollondilly community as hundreds of jobs now hang in the balance.
The Supreme Court’s decision to wind up Tahmoor has paved the way for significant redundancies, with the loss of work expected to ripple through contractors, small businesses and families across the region.
Wollondilly Mayor Matt Gould said the crisis goes far beyond the mine gates.
“Behind every one of these jobs is a local family, a mortgage, a small business and a future that has suddenly been thrown into even more uncertainty,” he said.
For more than a year, the community has endured mounting instability surrounding the mine’s ownership, with Gould accusing its billionaire owner of leaving workers and suppliers exposed.
“He has now left our community even more in the lurch with significant unpaid debts owed to local businesses, contractors and families together with the NSW Government and Council,” Gould added.
Local leaders say the economic fallout will be widely felt. Many businesses that supported the mine are now facing serious financial consequences through no fault of their own.
Despite the bleak news, support measures are already being mobilised. Wollondilly Shire Council and Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan MP have been working with state and federal agencies, as well as the Mining and Energy Union, to coordinate a rapid government response.
Hannan said the focus must now be on keeping local workers employed.
“I have sought assurance from the Government to ensure a rapid response and transition to a new company that will keep the local workers engaged,” she said.
Council has also offered the free use of facilities to host support services for affected workers and noted that residents directly impacted may be eligible for rate relief under hardship provisions.
Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said the outcome was deeply disappointing but stressed the importance of securing a new operator quickly.
“It is now critical that the sale process prioritises placing the operation in the hands of capable new management to secure the best possible future for the mine,” Taylor said.
Despite the uncertainty, community leaders say Wollondilly’s long mining history and its highly skilled workforce producing world-class coking coal for steel remain strong foundations for the mine’s future.
As Gould put it, “Our message to the workers, their families and the businesses affected is simple: you are not alone. Our community has your back.”
