Hunter Coalmining Industry

 The Hunter Joint Organisation reports that the closure of Hunter coalmines will impact around 50,000 jobs over the next couple of decades. Almost 12,000 jobs will be lost by 2030 alone unless we act now. But these jobs losses are not just a looming possibility; they are a reality and are happening in real time. The future of 300 workers at Lake Macquarie's Myuna Colliery is uncertain as Centennial Coal negotiates an extension of its coal supply contract with the power station, which follows the loss of 200 jobs at Centennial's Mandalong mine in 2024 due to a restructure.

Our community needs urgent support before workers are out of jobs and the chance for them to transition to new opportunities and industries is lost. We do not want the fabric of our communities to fray because people cannot find good jobs close to home. I therefore welcome the Government's introduction of the Future Jobs and Investment Bill and its consultation with key stakeholders during the bill's development on how the new model will operate. It is important to get this framework right if we want coal regions to thrive in the future. I thank the Minister for the Natural Resources for engaging with me on sensible amendments to the bill and look forward to further discussions about the regulations.

One part of the future beyond coal is finding the best possible use for former mining land. The re-use of disturbed mining land is an opportunity to strengthen coal regions. For example, Black Rock Motor Resort in my electorate showcases an innovative use of mining land beyond traditional options like agriculture or biodiversity conservation. Of course, not all former mines can or should be repurposed, nor should re-use of the land let mining companies off the hook. Their re-use should balance economic and social benefits with environmental and sustainability considerations.

This long-neglected opportunity has thankfully gained momentum following the inquiry into post-mining land use run by the Legislative Council Standing Committee on State Development. The Government supported all 13 of the committee's recommendations and committed to acting on key recommendations as a priority. That includes a pilot project to develop a master plan for buffer land around West Wallsend coal mine, as well as the Mount Arthur mine in Muswellbrook. West Wallsend is a closed mine site in the rehabilitation phase. It is in the North West Lake Macquarie regionally significant growth area, identified in the New South Wales Government's Hunter Regional Plan 2041, and borders the M1 motorway and another large parcel of land owned by the State Government. The Lower Hunter Freight Corridor runs through the site, as does the high-speed rail route proposed in a 2013 study. You heard it here first—high-speed rail.

As a former mine, there is currently high-quality built infrastructure on the site including power, water, sewers, roads and a rail loop. Noting both its strategic position and the upcoming closure of Eraring Power Station, the land is also centrally located to an available workforce. There is a real opportunity to transform that land into a new urban centre with residential development, industry and employment opportunities. As more people come to Lake Macquarie and the energy transition progresses, we need more homes and jobs. With a lack of employment land in the region, re-use of the mine offers an elegant solution. It means we can point to available employment land to attract industry and investment, which will create jobs and boost the local economy. It also means we do not need to unnecessarily cut down trees and disturb habitat to do so. That will help preserve the natural environment that makes Lake Macquarie such a beautiful place to live.

It is vital the momentum of this project is maintained. I understand the New South Wales Government is collaborating with key stakeholders including council to work through the complexities of the project, including making the regulatory changes needed to drive it forward. Getting the Future Jobs and Investment Authority up and running is also essential to deliver beneficial outcomes on former mining land across the State. Put simply, the project can and should succeed. It is a golden opportunity in terms of its regional impact, strategic location and worker availability. If we can get it right now in Lake Macquarie, then we can hopefully get it right throughout New South Wales in the future.