The down-turn in the mining industry has had a big impact on our local economy this year. When the industry turns downwards, we all feel it.
Not just the coal miners but all those who operate or work in a local business – manufacturing, services, property and retail.
Despite Tony Abbott’s pre-election efforts to claim otherwise, it’s all about the price we secure for our product and the value of the Australian dollar. It’s also been about the progressive shift from the construction phase of mining to the less labour-intensive production stage.
Let’s hope things pick up sooner rather than late. In the meantime, those who say our economy is too dependent on coal are wrong. While we should always strive for more, we have an abundance of diversity – the services sector, manufacturing, agriculture, viticulture, thoroughbred breeding and many more. It’s the coal economy which lifts us above the norm when it’s travelling well. It’s what allows towns such as Muswellbrook to at times run second only to beach-side Merewether on the measure of average household incomes.
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Watch out for scammers trying to cash-in on the Christmas mail rush by posing as postal services. If you are expecting delivery of a gift for family or friends, or might receive a present, it’s important to beware of these scams arriving in your inbox.
These emails appear to be from a legitimate parcel delivery service such as Australia Post or FedEx and may be personalised with your name and address. Consumers are told that they missed a parcel delivery at home and information for retrieving the package is attached to the email.
However, it is an executable file (.exe) and once opened, will install ransomware on your computer. Ransomware is a type of malware that restricts access to the computer system that it infects, and demands a ransom be paid to the creator(s) of the malware in order for the restriction to be removed.
If you are suspicious about a ‘missed’ parcel delivery, call the company directly to verify that the correspondence is genuine and do not click on the links or attachments. Independently source the contact details through an internet search or phone book – do not rely on numbers provided.
For further information, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au
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I wish all readers a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy 2015. Life seems busier for us all and I hope rest and recovery is possible for everyone who needs it.
I thank all those in our community who volunteered their time again throughout the year to help others less fortunate. We are certainly blessed with a strong sense of community spirit. I also thank all those organisations who have worked with me to make our region an even better place.
See you in 2015.
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