Boral has invited residents and businesses in the Southern Highlands area to nominate for membership of the working group providing community input into the permanent closure of the now disused Berrima Colliery.

A spokesman for Boral said the company was working closely with state regulators and the local council to close the colliery, which ceased operations in 2013.

“Over the past five years or so, we have been communicating widely with the local community at key points in process,” he said.

“We now want to move toward a more consultative process to ensure the best outcome for the Southern Highlands.

“As part of this process, we believe the time is right for us to seek greater input from the local community, which is why we want to extend the membership of the Closure Working Group (CWG), to include additional local representatives.

Boral has now called for expressions of interest from the Highlands community.

The community representatives on the CWG will ensure the views of residents and businesses in the area are raised and considered as part of the closure process.

These representatives will be expected to provide advice and feedback as a member of the general public on the long-term issues that are faced with the options presented for final closure of the mine.

The CWG currently consists of 12 members, including representatives from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the Resource Regulator, WaterNSW, Department of Industry - Water, Boral, and Dr Ian Wright from Western Sydney University.

That number will now be increased by five members of the local community.

A representative from Wingecarribee Shire Council will also be invited to be part of the group.

Community members wishing to be part of the CWG have until May 31 to apply.