Former Gunnedah shire mayor Owen Hasler has been recognised with life membership to the Association Mining and Energy Related Councils (MERC) in NSW.

The association, which Gunnedah Shire Council no longer retains membership, was formed more than 40 years ago to assist coal related local government areas with advocacy to government and now also includes the renewable sector.

Mr Hasler, who served 24 years in local government including four as Gunnedah mayor, was appointed as a delegate to association from 2012 until his retirement from local government in December 2021, completing over nine years of continuous service to MERC.

During that time Owen was an active participant and supporter of MERC – elected to the executive in 2013-18 and was deputy chair from 2019-21.

In an address to MERC members in Canberra this month, current chair Kevin Duffy said Mr Hasler, among other achievements, played a key role in advocating for reform of the Planning Assessment Commission – now known as the Independent Planning Commission; helped re-negotiate the Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) Guidelines and review the Resources for Regions program, then under charge of NSW Deputy Premier, John Barilaro.

Mr Duffy said the Gunnedah councillor played an active part in the review of the role and function of MERC and also encouraged MERC to hold at least two meetings per year in regional areas to gain familiarity with what was happening in those areas as well as ensuring that meetings were both informative and collaborative in their conduct.

“This life membership award is in recognition of Owen’s service in making a significant contribution to the success of the association, as the peak body in NSW, empowering, resourcing and advocating on behalf of councils in NSW that are impacted by mining and energy,” Mr Duffy said.

Mr Hasler described the recognition as a “very distinguished moment” and said the association had achieved much for the local communities it represents.

“From my perspective, MERC succeeded in achieving outcomes for our member communities which we could not achieve as individual councils or as members of some of the other organisations,” he said.

“I believe that it helped to have the knowledge and understanding brought by personal experience in our own community and from those communities in which we held our meetings .

“Delegates utilised this knowledge and passion to look after those MERC communities directly impacted upon by mining and energy proposals, and can therefore, be very proud of the outcomes achieved.

“It is a great honour to accept the title life member of this esteemed organisation. Thank you for the privilege and best wishes for your ongoing very important role in protecting and promoting your communities.”

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