The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (10:10): I move:

That this House:

(a)notes that on 29 July 2025 the Hon. Aileen MacDonald visited Northparkes Mines, located on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people, 27 kilometres north-west of Parkes, with Mr Mark Coure, MP, member for Oatley, shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, shadow Minister for Jobs, Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology, and shadow Minister for South‑Western Sydney;

(b)acknowledges that copper, the primary product of Northparkes, is an essential metal in our daily lives, delivering electricity and water to our homes, powering vehicles and telecommunications and used in everything from coins and mobile phones to renewable energy systems and medical technology;

(c)further notes that the average family home contains more than 90 kilograms of copper, and that copper properties including its excellent conductivity, corrosion resistance, malleability and recyclability, make it one of the most useful and widely used metals in human civilisation;

(d)recognises Northparkes as Australia's first block cave mine, operating since 1994 and jointly owned by Evolution Mining (80 per cent) and Sumitomo Group (20 per cent), with current production from the E26 Lift 1 North block cave and processing conducted onsite before shipment via the Port of Newcastle;

(e)commends Northparkes for its economic contribution to the Parkes region, directly injecting $60.7 million into the local economy in the last year alone, supporting approximately 2,000 workers and engaging 139 local suppliers—from mechanics to caterers;

(f)applauds Northparkes' commitment to meaningful and ongoing community engagement, including annual stakeholder surveys, a demonstrated Social Licence to Operate score of 4.19 out of 5, and partnerships that deliver real outcomes in health, education, sport and First Nations engagement;

(g)celebrates Northparkes' investment of $100,000 annually into local initiatives and programs, including:

(i)$60,000 per annum to Project Sprouts, providing early intervention support for young children with developmental delays;

(ii)$80,000 for local government capacity through a grants officer and Aboriginal project officer;

(iii)$35,000 for Parkes Sports Grants;

(iv)$17,500 for the Parkes Elvis Festival; and

(v)$5,000 for the Parkes Agricultural Show.

(h)thanks the Northparkes team for their hospitality and for showcasing a model of responsible resource development that not only drives economic value but also supports local communities and enhances regional prosperity.

Motion agreed to.