“Show us the money” – Upper Hunter cries

Singleton Council is not holding its breath expecting to receive additional funding from hiked Hunter Valley coal mine royalties.

The State Government is to earn an extra 2.8 billion dollars from the 2.6 percent increase from July 1 next year.

Mayor Sue Moore said she can’t even get an answer out of the government on the future of the Resources for Regions funding program.

Muswellbrook Mayor Steve Reynolds said since the program started in 2012 his shire had only received a total of $ 54 million dollars and Singleton $ 35 million.

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell labeled the increase “a lazy cash grab” by the State Government.