News
9 March, 2026
We have your back: Politicians back Tahmoor community
‘We have your back’. That’s the collective message from local politicians at all levels following a Supreme Court decision late last week to place the Tahmoor colliery into liquidation because of unpaid debts.
‘We have your back’.
That’s the collective message from local politicians at all levels following a Supreme Court decision late last week to place the Tahmoor colliery into liquidation because of unpaid debts.
Liquidation will mean the immediate loss of more than 200 permanent jobs – with hundreds of other contractors also affected.
The decision will also have flow-on effects throughout the community, particularly in terms of its impact on local businesses.
Wollondilly mayor Matt Gould has acknowledged that last week’s decision will be “deeply distressing” for the community but has pledged that Wollondilly Shire Council will “stand firmly beside the workers and their families in this difficult time”.
“For more than 12 months our community has been forced to live with instability while the mine’s billionaire owner played financial games with an asset that hundreds of families rely on for their livelihood,” Cr Gould said.
“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.
“Our local economy is built on trust and long-standing relationships and many small businesses who supported the mine in good faith are now facing serious financial consequences through no fault of their own,” Cr Gould said.
“They deserved far better than the uncertainty, disregard and disrespect they have been subjected to.”
Cr Gould said Wollondilly Shire Council and Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan had been working together and had been preparing for the possibility of liquidation.
“Our joint priority is to ensure workers and their families receive the assistance, advice and pathways they need during what will be an incredibly difficult period,” he said.
“Whilst this news is incredibly difficult, my message to the workers, their families and the businesses affected is simple: you are not alone.
“Our community has your back and council will continue working alongside government, industry and unions to support our residents and to fight to see the mine return to full operations as quickly as possible.”
Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan also described the appointment of liquidators as “deeply distressing”.
“This development creates significant uncertainty for local workers and their families who have contributed so much to our region.”
Mrs Hannan said she had been working with the NSW Government to ensure a NSW Resources Rapid Response to support employees and contractors affected by the decision.
“Wollondilly and Tahmoor has a proud and longstanding mining heritage and our community is home to a highly skilled workforce ready and willing to continue operating a viable and responsible mining operation.
“Hopefully the ninth owner of Tahmoor Colliery can be found and arrangements are made to secure employment for workers.”
Given the mine is still capable of producing high quality coking coal used in the steel-making process she is confident she is confident it remains a “solid operation with a strong future”.
Mrs Hannan said her message to the people impacted by last week’s liquidation decision was simple: ‘Our community stands beside you’.
Member for Hume Angus Taylor said his thoughts were with the workers, their families and the wider community who had endured more than a year of uncertainty.
He said it was critical the sale process prioritised placing the operation into the hands of “capable new management to secure the best possible future for the mine.”
Wollondilly Shire Council has offered the free use of any suitable council facility – if available – to help deliver additional support services to impacted workers and residents.
Those people directly impacted by the liquidation decision may also be eligible for rate relief under council’s hardship policy.
Read More: Wollondilly, Tahmoor